Read “Identities and Linguistic Features in Computer-mediated Communication”.

Yao Zhirui’s essay comes out of my Fall 2017 second-year humanities seminar, Perspectives on the Humanities. The theme for the course was “Language, Identity, and World Englishes,” and it provided students with a non-specialist’s introduction to linguistic theory before equipping them with the tools to critically interrogate how they use languages to construct and perform various identities and the effects of the global spread of English. Zhirui’s essay is in response to the second assignment prompt, which asked students to carry out an autoethnographic, linguistic analysis of how they use their various linguistic resources to perform different identities in online environments.

“Identities and Linguistic Features in Computer-mediated Communication” represents a smart analysis of Zhirui’s use of instant messaging platforms, such as WeChat, to perform different selves as context and audience demanded it. She uses the space of this essay to find ways to interface theories from the fields of sociolinguistics and applied linguistics with her own lived experiences. And, in the process, she shows the reader the myriad options that are presented to us by modern affordances when it comes to constructing different, often divergent, selves for our socially significant others.

—Joshua Paiz

Teaching Assistant Professor at George Washington University

Former Lecturer in the Writing Program

Read “Patriotism is Not the Best Criterion”.

Wang Huanci wrote “Patriotism Is Not the Best Criterion” for my Writing as Inquiry course “Language, Identity, and Community.” Huanci weighs the benefits and limitations of patriotism and proposes that we should take a broader, “global” view when considering issues that impact us all, such as trade and the refugee crisis. She constructs a debate between those who advocate for the value of patriotism and those who reject patriotism. She skillfully incorporates and evaluates sources, acknowledging the strengths of others’ claims while distinguishing them from her own argument. To support her argument, Huanci uses specific illustrating examples. Her thought-provoking discussions of corruption in China, the trade war between the US and China, and Trump’s “America First” policy—as well as her thoughtful, fair-minded approach towards patriotism—are especially timely.

—Alice Chuang, Lecturer in the Writing Program

Read “Hip Hop in the Chinese Cultural Context”.

Kelly Marshall submitted this paper as his final research project in Perspective on Humanities: Sino-Western Literary Exchanges. The assignment asked students to select and explore a specific case of literary, or more broadly, cultural exchange between China and the West. Kelly accomplished this task rather beautifully. His essay tells the story of how a local Sichuanese rap group, The Higher Brothers, adapted with obvious success the music and themes of American hip hop to the circumstances of their own lives as well as the social and political environment of a rising China. It is an exemplary piece of work not only due to its use of an impressive range of source materials, all well selected and integrated, but mainly because I admire Kelly’s ability to manage a comparison that requires him to constantly shuttle back and forth between source and adaptation while constantly keeping his focus on the work of the Chinese artists. It is a challenging move we all face as academic writers, particularly those ambitious enough to cross a major divide such as that separating the cultures of China and the West. Bravo!

—Chen Lin, Lecturer in the Writing Program

Read “Universities in the U.S. Should Offer Their Chinese Students More Cultural Assistance”.

Shi Jiannan’s essay comes out of the Spring 2018 first-year writing seminar, Writing as Inquiry. The theme for the course was “Language, Literacy, and Higher Education,” and it asked students to critically reflect on their educational and language acquisition experiences. Jiannan’s essay is a response to the final assignment prompt, which called on students to build a well-reasoned and thoroughly researched argument about a topic related to higher education.

Jiannan’s essay sheds light on how globalisation has led to radical shifts in higher education landscapes across the globe. Focusing the United States, which is home to the largest number of international students, Jiannan draws our attention to the unique acculturational challenges faced by Chinese students who choose to study in the United States. Going further, Jiannan calls on American universities to see their international students as critical assets and to assist them by offering acculturational support to facilitate their personal, professional, and academic success.

—Joshua Paiz

Teaching Assistant Professor at George Washington University

Former Lecturer in the Writing Program