Delpit "The Silenced Dialogue"

 Delpit "The Silenced Dialogue"

Quotes: 

Quote 1: “Many black teachers are more likely to say: ‘put those scissors on that shelf” (when most white teachers would say) “Is this where the scissors belong? (p34.)

The author is comparing how white and black teachers speak to their students. The author writes that black teachers will say things straight out and very directly, while white teachers will be softer and tend to ask rhetorical questions. This is a difference in oral style. Different people speak differently depending on where they're from, similar to an accent. The author indicates that oral styles can be difficult for black students and continues the conversation in the next quote.

Quote 2: “Black children expect an authority figure to act with authority." (p35.)

Since black students commonly hear demands from their parents, they expect their teachers to make demands as well, since they are also an authority figure. However, the issue comes when a white teacher asks questions like, "Would you like to sit down now?" (p36) and expects one clear answer, but the black student hears two options. Because of the student's home life, they are hearing this as a non-rhetorical question, one that they can choose if they want to sit down now or not; Due to the oral style in different races, white teachers tend to ask rhetorical questions, but black students aren't raised from rhetorical questions by their parents, so they don't understand that when the teacher asks these kinds of questions that it is a demand rather than a choice.

Quote 3: “Black parents, teachers of color, and members of poor communities must be allowed to participate fully in the discussion of what kind of instruction is in their childrens best interest.” (p45.)

Delpit starts the chapter by telling a few stories where black people say that they are listened to, but not heard. Towards the end, she includes this quote as a way to send out her message of inclusive education. It doesn't make sense how black people don't get a say in the way black children are taught. Black people should be the ones who are the most heard out for what they have to say for black children's education. The author wants this to be known and wants others to support this idea.

Reflection: Have you ever noticed a teacher having a different oral style than your own?

Gender, Race, and Speech Style Stereotypes