Translating for Analysis
This creative activity asks students to apply their multilingual skills to rhetorical analysis, asking them to translate sections of Ted Yoho's July 2020 public statement into one of their own languages or dialects as a way of better understanding how language -- and cultural perspectives -- influences argument.
Activity title: Translating for Analysis
Author: Harriett Jernigan
Course: PWR 1 (or PWR 2)
Activity length and schedule: Can be done during any part of the quarter, but works well while students are learning rhetorical analysis
Activity goals: To help students become more aware of culturally-informed perspectives and develop more nuanced understandings that involve more stakeholders and issues
Activity details: For this activity, students first use guiding questions analyze the statement made by Representative Ted Yoho (R-Fla.), in which he apologizes for verbally accosting Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) on the steps outside the Capitol in Washington D.C.. Then, they "translate" select parts of his statement into a different language or dialect that they speak, then answering additional guiding questions.