Skip to main content
Skip to main menu Skip to spotlight region Skip to secondary region Skip to UGA region Skip to Tertiary region Skip to Quaternary region Skip to unit footer

Slideshow

Linguistics as Un-Learning and Re-Learning: Exploring the Boundary between K-12 and the University

Sarah Hercula

Missouri University of Science and Technology

Abstract

Most people encounter the field of linguistics for the first time in college—if they ever do—which can be viewed as both an opportunity and a challenge. Students’ lack of familiarity with the field is an opportunity, as they are often excited and even liberated by re-learning certain aspects of language according to a (descriptive) linguistic perspective. However, students’ naiveté with linguistics is also a challenge, as many students struggle to un-learn and accept some of the universal truths of the field. This analysis is centered on qualitative data collected in an introductory linguistics course that illustrate student viewpoints on both ends of this spectrum, revealing implications for instructors of linguistics, including how to approach topics that may be met with resistance.

 

Proceedings of the 4th Annual Linguistics Conference at UGA: 20–29

Published June 3, 2018

 

View this article on Athenaeum

 

Previous Article Table of Contents Next Article

 

Support Linguistics at UGA

Your donations to the Department of Linguistics will support research and travel opportunities for students and faculty and other initiatives to enhance students' education in linguistics. Please consider joining other friends and alumni who have shown their support by making a gift to our fund. We greatly appreciate your contributions to the success of our programs!  

EVERY DOLLAR CONTRIBUTED TO THE DEPARTMENT HAS A DIRECT IMPACT ON OUR STUDENTS AND FACULTY.