I have a problem. Well, it's not really a problem, more like a quirk. I have a weird habit of picking up accents wherever I go. It's not, by any means, intentional. In fact, I'd say it's probably a subconscious effort to blend in, if anything. It happened when I was in London last summer. Two friends came to visit (they were in Ireland), and one of them commented on my having a slight accent. I couldn't hear it, but it seems some of my words were a bit more British than American. Ialso had a slight twang after going to Georgia with Gabri last winter. And now, I think the same thing is happening here in New Mexico.
It could probably be helped, if I thought about it consciously and made an effort. Funny thing is, I really don't mind. My only concern is offending people. I made it a point to tell my colleagues where I'm from, and now my students know too. However, if you put me in a room with a group of native New Mexicans, I find myself matching my vowels and accent to theirs ever so slightly. I'm hoping they don't think I'm crazy or attempting to mock them. The sound of the language is so beautiful and unique here- it's not so much a different accent overall, but a different accent on sounds and words. Certain words mean more, so they are more emphasized. Towns and names are pronounced in ways I never would have guessed. I'm an English teacher, and I can't even sound out the name Sradha (it's hard, I assue you. My kids already mock me).
In other news, today is our first day of classes. It is terrifying. I don't have the advantage of observing and studying a seating chart like I did during student teaching. I don't get a list of what to teach from a co-op. It's all on me. First period was rough- the kids, I think, smell new teacher. However, with every step and every instruction, I felt more confident, more sure of myself. Once I have names down, I'll feel much more in control. I'm working on "working the room", a style of walking around students while talking in order to minimize side discussions and texting. My desks are in a U shape with a "stage" area, so I have space to move about. Hoepfully 3rd period will go more smoothly than 1st, and 4th than 3rd... etc. I think this will work, I've just got to keep the kids busy and invovled.
Maggie-
ReplyDeleteOh how I love to read your blog- it is just as if you are sitting next to me - you write like you talk. We will see if in the future you begin to blog with an accent as well :) Not on facebook, so I am glad to be able to keep up with what is going on with you. Hang in there - the first year is rough. Christy
i'm shaming you for this: ", if you put me in a room with a group of native New Mexicans, I find myself, matching my vowels and accent to there's ever so slightly." read it and you'll understand why.
ReplyDeleteglad you went with the U shape. it definitely makes working the room much easier and you can see phones easier :)