How non-standard English bonds us | Sophia Lopez-Ramirez | TEDxYouth@Dayton

Key Concepts:

• Spelling Bees: Competition, listening skills, language analysis.
• Linguistic Adaptation: Adjusting language based on context and audience.
• Slang and Colloquialisms: Informal language, Gen Z slang, regional dialects.
• Code-Switching: Adjusting one's language to fit different social groups.
• Authenticity in Language: Using language that feels genuine and natural.
• Language Evolution: The dynamic nature of language and its constant change.
• Connection Through Language: Using language to build relationships and understanding.

1. Spelling Bees and the Power of Listening

• Main Point: Spelling bees taught Sophia Lopez the importance of active listening and language analysis.
• Details:
  • 11 million students compete in school spelling bees annually, with 250 reaching the national level.
  • Sophia competed for seven years, reaching the top 20 spellers nationally by age 13.
  • She listened to languages of origin, definitions, nuances like syllable emphasis, and the "schwah" sound.
• Example: The word "macropus" is broken down into Greek roots "macro" (large), "pter" (wing), and Latin root "us" (full of) to understand its spelling and meaning.
• Quote: "When I was at the National Spelling Bee and all I could hold on to was the pronouncer's voice and the information it gave, listening became my lifeline."

2. The Spelling Bee Community and Linguistic Diversity

• Main Point: The spelling bee community exposed Sophia to diverse language use, including Gen Z slang and online communication.
• Details:
  • She encountered slang in online speller group chats, including the "us" conlang (e.g., adding "us" to the beginning of words).
  • This slang was new to her because her school friends didn't use it.
• Example: Learning about the "us" conlang, where "us" is added to the beginning of words for humorous effect.
• Technical Term: "Conlang" - artificially constructed language.

3. Navigating Linguistic Differences in a Rural Community

• Main Point: Sophia experienced linguistic differences between her spelling bee world and her rural Ohio high school.
• Details:
  • She noticed linguistic markers like "y'all" and "if the good Lord's willing and the creek don't rise."
  • She researched these phrases in dictionaries and online.
  • She felt misunderstood and questioned at school due to her spelling bee achievements.
• Example: The phrase "if the good Lord's willing and the creek don't rise" is analyzed for its possible origins (Muskogee Creek tribe or heavy rainfall).
• Quote: "As a speller, this scrutiny of the English language led me to scrutinize my own colloquial language."

4. Breaking the Rules: Embracing Linguistic Authenticity

• Main Point: Sophia realized the value of embracing non-standard English and using language authentically.
• Details:
  • She decided to use language that felt natural, even if it wasn't grammatically "correct."
  • She recognized that slang and colloquialisms can enrich communication.
• Examples:
  • Saying "It's going good" instead of "It's going well" in an informal setting.
  • Saying "Dayton" instead of "Day-ton" to sound more genuine.
  • Using "lock in" to convey a more holistic and motivational attitude than "focus."
  • Using the word "chemistrify" to mean "have chemistry" to save time and keep the conversation flowing.
  • Using the phrase "if the good Lord's willing and the wrists don't break" to express hope and acknowledge life's unexpected events.

5. Conclusion: Language for Connection and Understanding

• Main Point: Sophia encourages listeners to use language for connection, explore its richness, and embrace their own voice.
• Details:
  • She challenges the audience to use language for good and for connection.
  • She encourages exploring the richness of the English language before dismissing words or phrases.
  • She emphasizes the importance of listening to ideas, not just words.
• Quote: "I challenge you to expand your linguistic influences, exploring the richness of the English language before dismissing a word or phrase as improper or immature."

Synthesis/Conclusion:

Sophia Lopez's journey through spelling bees taught her not only the intricacies of the English language but also the importance of listening, adapting, and embracing linguistic diversity. She realized that language is a tool for connection and understanding, and that authenticity in language is key to effective communication. By breaking down the barriers between "standard" and "non-standard" English, she found her own voice and encourages others to do the same.