Gendered choices

codeswitching and collaboration in a bilingual classroom

Authors

  • Janet M. Fuller Southern Illinois University at Carbondale

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1558/genl.v3i2.181

Keywords:

Gender Identity, Codeswitching, Collaboration

Abstract

This paper examines the use of Spanish and English, as well as collaborative discourse sequences, of four fourth graders in a bilingual classroom in terms of how they are used to construct gender identity. The analysis shows how language practices can become gendered through both societal and interactional norms and practices. The two girls’ use of English to construct their identities as best friends becomes part of the construction of femininity through the influence of both macro-social gender roles and the girls’ own linguistic repertoires and behavior in this community of practice. Further, both boys and girls use collaborative speech, but their aims of collaboration differ in ways that draw on hegemonic masculine roles in society as well as the personal agendas of the speakers.

Author Biography

  • Janet M. Fuller, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale

    Associate Professor, Department of Anthropology

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Published

2010-06-02

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Fuller, J. M. (2010). Gendered choices: codeswitching and collaboration in a bilingual classroom. Gender and Language, 3(2), 181-208. https://doi.org/10.1558/genl.v3i2.181