In evolutionary theory, all animals have evolved up to this point optimally and functionally for their environment ( a sea urchin is as optimally evolved for their environment as a human is for theirs) – no species is superiorly optimal/functional than another. Of course, animals continually evolve because their environment changes and evolves as well. Unfortunately there is a misconception that humans have optimally evolved and all other species are inferior - this is incorrect as explained why above. This is similar with languages, in the primitive language myth no language is more superior than another; they are functionally optimal for the needs of the people who speak the language. Some languages have a larger range of functionality; however, this doesn’t mean that the language is superior. In addition, languages evolve over time as well, historically English has evolved over time and is a conglomeration of other languages – the English language isn’t unchanged and wasn’t immaculate in its conception.
Other theories about language include multiple literacies and trilingualism. In multiple literacies, people go through their lives – realizing it or not – transitioning between the various literacies that make up our social world. Students need to learn how to navigate the maze of literacies in order to be successful (socially, economically, academically, etc…) in U.S. society. Furthermore, in triligualism – types of social literacies are isolated and identified. Everybody transitions between three major forms of their language; home, formal and professional forms of language. Which make sense when you think about it, because there are different forms of English that I transition through daily at home, college and work; this evidently lines up with home, formal, and professional forms of literacy. This is important to understand as a teacher because I will be aware that students will be learning how to transition and adapt to various social literacies, and specifically in my biology class they will be learning a form of professional English.
Other theories about language include multiple literacies and trilingualism. In multiple literacies, people go through their lives – realizing it or not – transitioning between the various literacies that make up our social world. Students need to learn how to navigate the maze of literacies in order to be successful (socially, economically, academically, etc…) in U.S. society. Furthermore, in triligualism – types of social literacies are isolated and identified. Everybody transitions between three major forms of their language; home, formal and professional forms of language. Which make sense when you think about it, because there are different forms of English that I transition through daily at home, college and work; this evidently lines up with home, formal, and professional forms of literacy. This is important to understand as a teacher because I will be aware that students will be learning how to transition and adapt to various social literacies, and specifically in my biology class they will be learning a form of professional English.
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