Writing Across the Curriculum Speaker Series to feature Jessi Grieser

Jessi Grieser. (courtesy photo)

By Rakiyah Lenon | Editor in chief

As part of its Writing Across the Curriculum Speaker Series, Augusta University’s Department of English and World Languages and the Center for Writing Excellence are hosting a virtual event on linguistic diversity on Wednesday, Jan. 31 at 6 p.m.

The event, titled, “Linguistic Diversity in the Classroom: Solidarity and Support”, will feature Jessi Grieser, an associate professor of linguistics at the University of Michigan, as the key presenter.

The virtual event is free and open to the public.

“In this talk, I’ll discuss some features of linguistic diversity we need to take into account as educators aiming to meet our students and writers where they are, and provide a roadmap to holistic assessment which celebrates the linguistic gifts our students bring to our classrooms while also remaining sensitive to the demands a less linguistically-aware workforce may make of them in the future,” Grieser said.

Hannah Soblo, a professional writing consultant for CWE, said the field of linguistics examines the variety of ways in which individuals use and interpret language.

“The many, many different and completely valid forms of English…are often seen as lesser than the standardized version which is taught in the education system,” she said.

Though the talk is geared mainly toward educators, others, including students, might find that the talk will offer insight to the discussion surround the diversity of language.

“It would be a much better world, I think, if the burden of understanding were on all of us,” she said.

“I think that the USG system could do a lot more to promote inclusive practices in education,” Soblo added. “I think that this talk will contribute to that.”

Undergraduate students who attend will be entered in a drawing to win free copies of Grieser’s most recent book, “The Black Side of the River.”

“She is just one of the most wonderful, enthusiastic, intelligent people I have ever met,” Soblo said of Grieser. “An amazing mentor and an amazing researcher.”

Those interested in attending can register here: https://augusta.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cSEVx5WY9q3NyK2

Contac Rakiyah Lenon at rlenon@augusta.edu.