Asking Appalachia: Appalachian English in the Writing Classroom

<p>This thesis combines primary and secondary research in order to make an argument about the need for better educational practices for Appalachian students. A problem is first established that, because of how Appalachian people and their culture are represented in the media, negative stereotypes are spread about those from the region who are easily identified by their use of Appalachian English. Standard English is widely taught and students are encouraged to suppress their accent and dialect in order to mediate this. However, these practices allow no room for these students to use and embrace their own language. This thesis investigates the responses of Appalachian people regarding their perception of Appalachian English, experience in writing classrooms, and exposure to Appalachian literature which establishes that as students they are negatively impacted by the current treatment of their language. Further, this thesis lays groundwork for better pedagogical practices for Appalachian English speakers including the honoring students’ own languages, assessment of student work, teaching of code-meshing, inclusion of positive examples of Appalachian culture, and use of creative writing in the classroom. This study aims to establish a more Appalachian-focused pedagogy that promotes a greater sense of pride for the students in the area, which will in turn lead to a reinvestment into the region. </p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Arts (MA)

Level thesis:degree_level

Master's

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

English and Theatre

Grantor dc:publisher

Eastern Kentucky University

Year

2022

Author dc:creator

• Hampton, Rachel Nicole

• Appalachia
• Appalachian Literature
• Composition
• Dialect
• Pedagogy
• Writing Instruction
• Appalachian Studies
• Curriculum and Instruction
• Educational Methods
• Reading and Language

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2022 Rachel Nicole Hampton

Repository record dc:identifier

https://encompass.eku.edu/etd/724

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:encompass.eku.edu:etd-1722