Getting to Know You

I have a confession. In class last night, I was ignorant of the definition of "finna." From the various nodding of heads and muted giggles, I suspected that most of my classmates were familiar with the word. From the way it was used in the sentence, and the substitution of "da" for "the," I suspected that it could be African-American street talk, but I wasn't certain. I suddenly felt very white, middle-aged, and suburban. I had to discretely ask Rich Farrell, who is several years my junior, the etymology of "finna." I may need to download an app for my phone. I did experience something in common with adolescent students, specifically those who might be from different backgrounds. I felt embarrassed, uninformed, and culturally "othered."  I remember years ago when there were arguments that standardized tests were culturally biased. At the time, I probably thought "nonsense!" I'm certain my parents did. The one example mentioned that sticks with me was a word analogy question involving cup : saucer.  Apparently families from less advantaged homes don't serve afternoon tea properly in cups and saucers, but in workaday mugs. We take it for granted that everyone is just like us.

I grew up with Rogers and Hammerstein. If The Sound of Music was on channel 9, we were watching The Sound of Music. Nothing's changed. If Oklahoma! is playing at Drury Lane, Lois and Thad will be there. My folks, at age 89 and 90 respectively, still drive, so exercise caution in Plainfield, and perhaps avoid Weber Road entirely. The reason I bring up musicals, is that one in particular is relevant to our readings and yesterday's lecture. In The King and I, which is based on the memoirs of Anna Leonowens, British schoolteacher Anna is appointed governess to the children of King Mongkut of Siam (present-day Thailand) in the mid 19th century.  Perhaps the most memorable scene involves Anna interacting with her charges, and experiencing her fair share of cultural dissonance. She doesn't understand them. They don't understand her. In the Rogers and Hammerstein universe, any conflict can and should be immediately resolved with a song.  In Anna's case, the song is Getting to Know You. I'll provide the lyrics, just in case you're not familiar.  However, you really should just listen to a clip on YouTube. 

[ANNA]

[Spoken] It's a very ancient saying, 

But a true and honest thought, 

That if you become a teacher, 

By your pupils you'll be taught. 

[Singing] As a teacher I've been learning --

You'll forgive me if I boast -- 

And I've now become an expert, 

On the subject I like most. 

[Spoken] Getting to know you.

[Singing] Getting to know you, 

Getting to know all about you. 

Getting to like you, 

Getting to hope you like me. 

Getting to know you, 

Putting it my way, 

But nicely, 

You are precisely, 

My cup of tea.

[ANNA AND THE MOTHERS]

Getting to know you, 

Getting to know all about you. 

Getting to like you, 

Getting to hope you like me. 

Getting to know you, 

Putting it my way, 

But nicely, 

You are precisely, 

[ANNA]

My cup of tea. 

[ALL]

Getting to know you, 

Getting to feel free and easy

When I am with you, 

Getting to know what to say 

Haven't you noticed

Suddenly I'm bright and breezy? 

Because of all the beautiful and new 

Things I'm learning about you 

Day by day. 

Getting to know you, 

Getting to feel free and easy

When I am with you, 

Getting to know what to say 

Haven't you noticed

Suddenly I'm bright and breezy? 

Because of all the beautiful and new 

Things I'm learning about you 

Day .. by ... day.

I have disabused myself of any notion of serenading a bunch of 21st century 9th graders, but the lesson is valid, albeit in practice much more complex. The "Avatar" exercise is essentially the process of "getting to know you" although I doubt that I'll suddenly be "bright and breezy." Children have multiple identities which impact not only their literacy skills but their literacy attitudes. These identities are shaped by forces all around them, as well as within, and they are often in flux, perhaps mores in the adolescent years than any other time. It is essential that we as educators recognize these traits, compensating for some and leveraging others. Academic literacy and proper grammar is essential if students wish to have all career paths open to them.  This doesn't mean that we have to be the grammar police at all times and places, nor does it mean that in any way should be dismiss or disparage other literacies or cultural factors that might result in language that doesn't conform to the current definition of "standard" English, even though "standard" English is one of our goals. As I review the various traits our group identified for our "Avatar," and consider Steven's poser about how to address the student who announces: "I'm finna go da' sto!", I realize that the an essential skill for any teacher is diplomacy, and as any diplomat will tell you, the first step is getting to know the person  on the other side of the table.