Tran Tishion Doctoral Defense - Friday, 12/13 at 1 PM via Zoom

Committee: Shannon Walters (Chair), Ryan Omizo, Eli Goldblatt (Emeritus), Russel Durst (University of Cincinnati)

Title: ASSESSING LINGUISTIC STANDARDIZATION IN COMPOSITION COURSE SYLLABI: A KEYWORD ANALYSIS OF WHITE LANGUAGE SUPREMACY

Abstract:

This dissertation examines issues of language standardization, with a focus on White Language Supremacy (WLS) as an analytical framework. WLS privileges standardized language linked to white cultural norms, which in turn shape Standard Language Ideologies (SLI) and devalue linguistic diversity in marginalized communities especially within educational settings. WLS is evident in terms like "clarity" and "convention," often used to assess students by assuming fluency in Standard English and enforcing compliance. In examining WLS in Linguistics and Writing Studies, this study uncovers how language, power, and race influence linguistic norms and hierarchies in writing instruction.

This study tests WLS analysis methods in composition theory, using keywords to identify linguistic discrimination in course syllabi. Combining quantitative frequency analysis with qualitative keyword-in-context analysis, the study reveals where WLS appears in syllabi and writing programs. The study concludes that while helpful in identifying problematic language judgments, WLS keywords alone cannot fully expose linguistic discrimination; understanding context and prescriptiveness is crucial. The study thus offers a critique of WLS, stressing its limitations and the need for more nuanced consideration of terms, definitions, and scope of linguistic discrimination. Ultimately, this work contributes to discussions on linguistic justice, offering practical guidance for writing program administrators to detect and address linguistic discrimination within writing programs using a WLS framework.

Contact english@temple.edu for the Zoom link!