Curiosity Didn't Kill this Cat: Studs Terkel for English Language Learners

Abstract

After years of studying academic English, many students are ready to move beyond language designed for the classroom, or what Yoshida (2001) calls ''fishbowl'' English, to the language of the ''open sea.'' As students develop beyond the beginner level, they are ready to read and discuss appropriate authentic texts. Even students who are unsure of themselves can make it in the ''open sea'' and navigate quite well with help from teachers and peers. Studs Terkel's work is appropriate material that captures U.S. culture in all its vitality, complexity, and variety. With some scaffolding, teachers can use Terkel's work to help students understand authentic English and gain insight into U.S. culture. To sharpen the focus of students' study, I have created reading, writing, and discussion activities based on Terkel's writing and oral history interviews with Americans with distinct perspectives and backgrounds, from factory workers to CEOs. Studying these individuals gives students living examples of the principles discussed in our text.