The author of Dialects and Writing discusses the contrast between oral language and written language and the challenges for all writers regardless of their dialect. The importance of developing written language expertise in order to make choices about style at different levels of language is also stressed. "To become successful writers, students must eventually master such contrasts and understand the connotations of alternative way of expressing the same thought." What I appreciated about the article was that students are encouraged to continue using their colloquial, or everyday, language for writing, but yet to learn the appropriate time.
These three guidelines for supporting the development of writing skills in vernacular-speaking students stood out.
- Regular and substantial practice in writing, aimed at developing fluency.
- The opportunity to write for real, personally significant purposes.
- Experience in writing for a wide range of audiences, both inside and outside of school.
To me it is not important to change a student's colloquial language, but that students learn to make choices about their writing style for their intended audience.