8/3/2019 Feb. 24 WAW hw

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Wardle Summary

In her article;Identity, Authority, and Learning to Write in New Workplaces, Wardle argues how difficult

it is to write within new discourse communities. She shows examples from herself saying it was difficult

to write in an academic style, and through her test subject; Alan. Wardle explains the process of learning

to write in a new workplace and discusses Alans authority and identity while he writes. Alan had such ahard time writing in a new environment because it was hard for him to relate to the lexis the group used as

well as their way for communicating.

QD

3. The reason why it was difficult to be successful with writing in a new workplace was because hewas set in his old ways of writing. It was part of his identity and it is difficult to want or be able

to change something that we are so used to, even though he had authority when it came to his

technical expertise, he wasnt able to enculturate into the community.

4. I believe that most of the time we are using language unconsciously, this is why lawyers orpeople who debate come prepared with scripts and key words they want to work into theirargument. We can be conscious of how we talk but most of the time it is unconscious.

5. I think people are able to change even later in life after they have been practicing their primaryDiscourse for so long, but the key is you have to be willing to change. Alan just didnt want to do

this, I agree with Wardle.

6. I agree with the idea that Alan was used as a tool because to be in a discourse community youhave to care about it and contribute, but he didnt take the time to learn the lingo the community

used.

7. I have had several times where teachers of mine had institutionally ascribed authority , andbecause they showed their biased or one minded opinions I lost respect for them and what they

taught. They still didnt lose authority because they were still the teacher and I, still the student, I

had to listen and do what they said because I needed to pass the class.

A&EI

1. People who have authority over texts are those who are well respected experts in a discoursecommunity. They are the people who run the show and they are credible sources within the

community. I often lack authority within the discourse communities that I am in because often

times I have a hard time adjusting between different communities and when I am first introduced

into different communities I am rather shy. This makes it difficult to get my point across.

However I do tend to gain authority over time because the groups recognize who I am and the

ideas I have. Sometimes it is annoying and a little disheartening to be at the mercy of someone

else in a discourse community especially when you care about it a lot and you believe your ideasare better. When I am more knowledgeable on a subject then I like to be in charge , however when

I am new to something I dont mind being at the mercy to someone else in the community who

knows more than I do.

Wardle Summary

8/3/2019 Feb. 24 WAW hw

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I thought this was a good article, it showed those who dont necessarily care about a community and how

hard it is for them to fit in and use the lexis the group uses. It showed authority and identity within

different environments and how much it can change.