Being People [antikvár]

Introduction Tkougk tkis kterary antkology is prepared for non-native speakers of Engksk, tlie only feature tkat distinguislies it írom a collection íor native speakers is tke addition oi cultural and linguistic notes for eack selection. Otkerwise, tke stories and poems included in tkis volume appear in tkeir original form illustrating tke fuU rickness of American Enghsk. Stories written in regional and social dialects kave keen included intentionally in order to give non-native speakers an appreciation of kow effectively images and meaning can ke conveyed tkrougk non-standard forms of tke language. Tke linguistic notes tkat accompany tkese selections are offered not as corrections to usage kut as a kridge to m ake tke language employed Ly tke writer more accessible to tke reader wkose native language is not Engiisk. Just as reading tke literature of one's own language makes one more effective in using tkat 1 anguage in conversation and writing, reading tke literature of a second language will result in more complete control of tkat language. Depending upon tke reader's skill in Engiisk, tke first reading of literary pieces may ke more work tkan pleasure. Tke discussion questions tkat follow eack story or poem skould kelp orient readers to its main tkemes or issues so tkat readers can go bac k to tke text to gain a fuller understanding of tke autkor's intent. It is tkrougk tke re-reading of literature tkat one can make a personal response to tke events and ckaracters tke autkor portrays. In tkis way literature kecomes relevant and fun. Read tke selections silently, read tkem out loud witk a friend or a family memker, read and act out sections in class, and write down quotations in your notekook tkat express a tkougkt you skare, and quote it at an appropriate time to someone wko will appreciate it. In tkis way readers kave tke opportunity to enjoy tke writer's message and tke means ky wkick tkat message is expressed. New insigkts into kuman kekavior can ke okt ained ky exploring literature tkat is not restricted to one's own culture. Tkis collection draws upon tke multicultural nature of American society and includes internationally famous writers and tkose wko are less well-known. Tke readings kave keen organized tkematically witk eack selection focusing on tke kuman experience. Ckddkood memories, family relationskips, love, and independence form tke kackdrop for a look at all sorts of people—young, old, middle-aged, idealistic, cynical, faitkful, and deceitful—keing people.