Notes that familiarity with the language of students--and especially awareness of the features of their languages that make acquisition of educated English difficult--enables the teacher to use a variety of techniques. Suggests that tolerance and acceptance of a panoply of dialects is a must, not a choice. (RS)

Suggests that the United States may well want to entertain a National Language Policy, a supplement to the National Education Goals and the national standards that have appeared in recent years. Notes that a position paper developed in 1988 by the Conference on College Composition and Communication, entitled "National Language Policy," might serve…

Considers how, when children enter school speaking a social class dialect, it can pose problems for both the students and the teachers. Notes strategies that teachers might use to assist the Black dialect speaker to adopt a more "prestigious dialect." Suggests teachers provide opportunities to listen to folktales or riddles written in dialect and…

Suggests that teachers of African American students have an obligation to familiarize themselves with some of the important differences in their students' language and culture that affect their learning in the classroom. Describes the rich oral tradition and group-centered ethos of African American culture. (RS)

Repudiates the theory that black dialect has African origins. Supports the British Isles influence theory. (FL)