Response to: Should students have the right to use their own language in an academic setting?

Alexa Nagy

English 1100

Professor Young

14 September 2015

       I believe that students should be able to use their own language in an academic setting. When students use their own language, their work will burst with their originality and style. Without using their language, it will lack these impressive qualities, and make their writing less tasteful. Why limit someone to this freedom when their work could stand out? Showing our identity in our writing is a goal we all should try to obtain. It is important to be who you are and show where you come from because it makes our work distinct from everyone else. For example, in the reading “Student’s Right to Their Own Language”, Langston Hughes quoted, “I play it cool and dig all jive That's the reason I stay alive My motto as I live and learn Is to dig and be dug in return.” This quote expresses the slang and language he uses, which ultimately makes his words pop. It illustrates his style and where he came from. Without using his slang or language, it would lack its diversity and make it like everyone else. I think the way he uses his words make his quote flow and special. Teachers should not have the right to take away this freedom of using our language because it can bring our work to another level. Therefore, I believe students should have the right to use their language in their work.