Williams states on page 2 that, "Growing numbers of young people use what is called 'restricted code'- language characterized by a limited vocabulary and an inability to communicate abstract ideas- that is painfully unsuited to conveying anything but the most shallow concepts." Think about this statement and try to come up with three reasons why there is a growth of "restricted code" among young persons these days. Then give an idea of how, as teachers of writing, we can help young people become inspired in order to help them shape the "abstract ideas" that Williams talks about.
a) (1)Text messages: there are so many abbreviations for words and phrases these days that kids, teens, and adults alike no longer have to search for insightful ways of making their statement. (2)Nowadys there are words that are made up and even placed in dictionaries (Urban dictionary) that are only only words because celebrities dubbed them. It is a silly reason but these words are making up much of peoples vocabulary today and replacing thought. (3)Television creates a lazy atmosphere polluted with mind-numbing nothingness. Back, years ago, daily life was full of learning new vocations andn reading simply for entertainment. Now, when someone is bored, they flick on the television which excersizes the brain very little.
A few ways to help young minds begin working, would be to have them read.. a lot. As I have found through taking many WRTC courses, reading many different authors has opened my mind to so many types and styles of writing and to much more vocabulary than I ever knew I would use. Another idea would be useful for a younger demographic of students. Each night, assign a different student the task of learning something that they have never done before. After a night of reasearching, practicing, and making a lesson, they will come to school prepared to share with the other students what they have learned and now can use to substitute for television.
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