Delta-isms

As if we weren't challenged enough in our daily endeavors to close the achievement gap, Corps Members also faced the constant challenges of what we like to call "Delta-isms." Whether its the accent or the way they use the term, we are constantly trying to decipher region-specific language.

Imagine trying to teach a lesson and your student raises her hand and says, "I gotta use it." I am already somewhat annoyed that my lesson is being interrupted especially when behavior management starts to go to you know where when students' attention turns from me to someone else.

I ask, "Use what?"

"I gotta use it."

"Use what?" I ask again, further annoyed.

"Use IT!" My student reiterates.

Further confused, I mumble something and turn back to my lesson... whoops.

Delta-ism #1: I gotta use it = Can I go to the bathroom?

Delta-ism #2: I nee a PAN-cell/ PAN-cer = I need pencil.

Delta-ism #3: Es-kurz me = Excuse me.

Delta-ism #4: Ma'am? = Could you repeat what you just said?

And as if it isn't enough to try and navigate the accent and word-usage, we also have to remember how to pronounce names that I have decided were created specifically to look like one thing while sounding like something exactly the opposite. Try teaching a lesson, managing a classroom and pronouncing these names at the same time. Here are just a few examples:

Syh'lence = Silence (seriously. no, seriously)

Am Unique = This is one of the most popular names in our school...

Chakaviante = Sha kay vee on tay

Zakwon = Zay kwon

Zimarion = Zy mare ee on

Exzarius = exactly like its spelled, but still

Ja'marqavius = Ja mark ay vee us

Urhyness = Your highness

And my personal favorite La - yia = La dash ia

Miss Claiborn

(This is a compilation of names I have heard and names I have come across. Luckily we usually don't have all of these in one class. It would be like our own personal tongue twister.)