Structure and Process in Speech Subcommunities of Hmong Students at a Northern California High School
Author(s):
Findlay, Michael Shaw
Format:
Journal article
Citation:
Linguistics And Education, Volume 6, Issue 3 (1994). pp. 245-260.
Language:
English
Abstract:
The structure & function of speech subcommunities of Hmong students (N unspecified) at a northern CA high school were examined from a sociolinguistic view, with emphasis on communicative channeling & cultural mechanisms managing inter- & intragroup communication. Data collected during the one-year study included classroom observations, audio-taped informal conversations & formal interviews, & video recordings. Three characteristics of Hmong student speech subcommunities are analyzed: (1) the formation & organization of these subcommunities in classroom contexts, (2) the subcommunities' facilitation of communication with speakers outside the group, & (3) methods by which internal group dynamics produced solutions to problems concerning language & social meaning. 1 Figure, 9 References. Adapted from the source document