Authority And American Usage By David Foster Wallace Summary

The information and opinions provided in the excerpt “Authority and American Usage” by David Foster Wallace give an understanding of what Standard Written English is and why it is influential. It also sets up what the teaching of SWE in schools means for students. Foster Wallace makes an argument about the Democratic spirit and its connection to grammar and the use of SWE by different people. The main point he tries to make about SWE is that it allows people from different upbringings and backgrounds to come together and speak or converse in a language that is common ground, including the grammar and nuances that come with SWE. He urges that SWE is important to conserve communication between people of different heritages and have effective

One of the drawbacks of SWE in school is the way it can single out students, especially little kids. As mentioned by Foster Wallace, “He cannot alter his vocabulary, usage, or grammar, cannot use slang or vulgarity; and it’s these abilities that are really required for ‘peer rapport,’ which is just a fancy academic term for being accepted by the second-most-important group in the little kid’s life” (Wallace 412). The little kid referred to in this quotation has had the effect of being taught SWE his whole life, and being brought up only requiring that type of English, pushed him away from peers that might’ve developed a new type of communication and slang among themselves. The utilization of SWE can be disadvantageous in certain circumstances as it may become a little unappealing to others who prefer to communicate with individuals who are familiar with their dialect or way of conversing. Consequently, the use of SWE could lead to disinterest in

This is to create a clear understanding of the most basic aspects of English for those who are completely in the dark about the language. Laurie Walker of the University of Lethbridge argues for SWE in the article “Standard English and the Teaching of Literacy." She says, “Standard English should be taught, not exclusively, but along with respect for and acceptance of the non-standard forms of English that children, and especially young children, have acquired from their communities” (Walker 334). Standard English is still important to lay the groundwork for students in the classroom to follow grammatical rules. Of course, their creativity and usage of NSE should not be permitted but rather looked at as an addition to the SWE that was already