The Writing Center at the University of Pittsburgh values the diverse linguistic expressions of the writers we work with. We are committed to challenging language discrimination, and providing feedback that promotes agency and choice in matters of correctness. Beginning with the training of our peer tutors (ENGCMP 1210, Seminar in Tutoring Peer Writers), we engage in ongoing professional development to recognize our potential biases and to work with writers in culturally informed ways, with humility and respect for difference.
Our principles of linguistic justice include, but are not limited to:
- Prioritizing ideas, content, and meaning over issues like standard grammar
- Emphasizing our belief and practice that there is not a hierarchy of English usage, including dialects, accents and vernaculars
- Challenging limited definitions of correctness and/or Standard English
- Understanding that language and standards change to include evolving expressions of English
- Understanding the primacy and value of a writers' native languages
- Valuing the writer's goals for the session, which may include navigating specific expectations of professors, assignments, and professional contexts
- Centering issues of linguistic justice in English Composition 1210: Tutoring Peer Writers, our peer tutor training course
- Providing regular space for discussions amongst our writing consultants about issues related to linguistic justice
We are indebted to Dr. April Baker-Bell's definition of linguistic justice from her book Linguistic Justice: Black Language, Literacy, Identity, and Pedagogy. We are also grateful for the linguistic justice statements at a number of institutions that have helped shape our approach, including Sweetland Center for Writing, Univ of Michigan; UConn Writing Center; and The Center for Excellence in Writing, U of Buffalo. The development and implementation of our linguistic justice vision is an on-going process; just as language grows and evolves, we also expect this policy to adapt and change. We welcome continued conversations about our policy and approach.