Cultural Deficit Perspective vs. Cultural Difference Perspective

       The article we were assigned as well as the videos really helped to clarify the differences in cultural deficit and cultural difference perspectives.  In some ways the videos were very similar, but they definitely differed in what is considered and appropriate dialect for how people talk.  

      The first video on Code-switching explains that code-switching is when people alternate between different languages or different versions of one language, the most common switch being between formal and informal English.  This video is an obvious example of cultural difference perspective because it deals with people growing up in all different backgrounds, but still having the capabilities to switch from formal to informal language. The problem that is discussed, is what happens when people do not know how to code-switch, or do not have the ulterior language to code-switch.  The linguist and professor at Old Dominion feels as though  "correct" talk, depends on who you are talking to and what situation you are in.  In this video, it is taught that it is okay to talk slang and to code switch so that people feel comfortable in their community and so they keep their identity, as well as keeping a professional dialect in appropriate situations.      

      The second video where Gerrard McClendon speaks to African American children and tries to get them to understand how important speaking "proper English" is, is an example of the cultural deficit perspective.  He feels as though if the students do not get out of their "slang" speaking ways, they will not achieve in the real world.  He basically tells them that they will be looked down upon and will not be impressive in job interviews if they speak their dialect, as opposed to a more formal English dialect.  One female student that is interviewed, tells us that she talks slang at home and around the community, but she does know that it is not proper English.  I feel as though if students understand that they are speaking slang and that it is not appropriate in formal settings, they will be more eager to learn proper English and use it at the appropriate times.