Looking back across all three phases of this course, I realize that progress isn’t just about getting better at writing—it’s about changing how I think about language and myself. One of the biggest lessons I learned is how much language attitudes shape how we see others and even ourselves. In Phase One, I had to confront the fact that I had bought into the idea that Standard English was the “smart” way to speak and write. I even looked down on my own language at times. Writing my Language and Literacy Narrative was eye-opening. For the first time, I raised my hand in class to say that I speak another language, and it felt like a small but powerful step in reclaiming my voice.

Phase Two pushed me to think beyond myself and consider how language rules affect society. Doing research for my Researched Exploratory Essay made me see that authority and credibility in writing often come from following “the rules” rather than having better ideas. I also realized that being “objective” is more about how you present your ideas than some universal truth. Learning to use qualifiers and careful language showed me that I could make my arguments persuasive and clear without losing my voice.

By Phase Three, my perspective expanded even more. I started to understand that language differences don’t just impact minorities—they affect everyone. Standard English speakers miss out on the chance to learn new ways of thinking and communicating. Working with peers, sharing ideas online, and seeing different perspectives helped me understand that language diversity is a strength, not a problem to fix.

Overall, this class completely changed how I approach writing and language. Writing isn’t just following rules—it’s a process of thinking, sharing, and improving. I’ve learned to challenge standard language ideology, embrace diversity, and use my voice confidently. The progress I’ve made isn’t just about grades or essays—it’s about becoming someone who sees language as a tool for connection, understanding, and growth.

 we can see this in Safwat Saleem’s TED Talk “Why I keep speaking up, even when people mock my accent

which states “I used to have this recurring dream where I’d walk into a roomful of people… and then slowly, all the other people in the room begin to turn toward me and ask, almost in unison, ‘Have you forgotten your name?’… As the chant gets louder, I want to respond, but I don’t.”  showing This shows how early speaking challenges felt shameful and made him want to stay silent.

Please don’t use this narrator again — you can barely be understood.”
“Could you remake this without peanut butter in your mouth?

These kinds of remarks show how external mockery targets voice and language.

showing us that language isnt just for communicating but its also a symbol of power and confidence in having in ones self knowing that they can communicate with someone else without being judeged no matter any imperfections