Bridgette Soto

English Comp

Professor Buchanan

Phase I

My writing journey for this composition class has been a difficult and rewarding journey.  It’s a love / hate relationship with my writing because hate the writing process however, when I read the finished essay, I feel very accomplished.  In the first phase we were asked to write a “Multimodal Language and Literacy Narrative,” I decided to write my narrative on “Urban English” ebonics to be exact.  I particularly enjoyed writing this essay the most because I can relate, I was born and raised in the Bronx.  There’s no way to escape it, “IT’S EVERYWHERE” in the hood the dialect is easy to learn albeit the vocabulary is constantly evolving the language of urban decay.  Writing this essay, I was able to utilize idioms, ethos, and pathos techniques in my rhetorical analysis in addition to presenting it orally to audience of my peers adding a Power Point to illustrate my narrative effectively .

Phase II

            The second phase of my writing journey is elevated in difficulty and a different writing perspective is introduced.  This phase called “The Rhetorical Analysis” I wrote a rhetorical analysis on a peer’s language and literacy narrative. I interviewed my appointed partner to compose an analysis and cover page.  Which briefly summarizes my peer’s text and describe which rhetorical strategies he used.  “Piece of cake” lol…  Although a challenging topic, I realized how important selecting the perfect descriptive text for your essay to persuade and inform an audience.  I was fortunate enough to have an articulate peer who was able to captivate my imagination to ancient Arabia in Minaj’s journey learning the Arabic language and his pilgrimage to Islam.  Minaj used “Pathos”, “Ethos” and idioms strategies to inform and engage his audience (me) about the language of his religion and his experience of his journey. I feel the professor’s strategy in this phase was to pair us up with writers who can help each other in the writing process with techniques as well as exchanging views on the diversity of language and culture.  This eased the writing process of this essay because most of the information in the essay was provided by your peer. By the end of this phase I started noticing the improvement in my writing process and reading but still lacked the ability to extend the length of my paper

Phase III

            “The Researched Essay” was the most difficult of all the phases because it targeted areas of my biggest weaknesses, content extension and citation.  I was required to propose, introduce, and synthesize 2 sources in my draft.  Location of the Citation has always been tricky for me because I get confused in where to insert.  Extending the content of my essays is an ongoing struggle of mine however, I feel I been making progress.  I identified in this process has helped me re-examine and revise my essays before and after submission.  I selected a social injustice issue of the only existing colony in the world today Puerto Rico and how the United States affects women’s reproduction there.  In my essay I identified  through colonial and documented history how the United States deliberately orchestrated a sterilization champaign especially targeting Puerto Rican women in poverty-stricken areas through the use of powerful propaganda champaigns which propagated solutions of fertility control to improve social and economics issues.  I feel while working on this project although I had excellent resources and I had good content in my essay it was lacking content, and I was at a loss on creativity.  I submitted the assignment but dissatisfied with my submission nevertheless I look forward on the professor’s feedback and making the necessary edits to make it an exceptional reading material.

Phase IV

            The final phase of my writing journey “The Digital Portfolio and Self-Assessment Essay” was the easiest to write, however I had some issues creating my digital portfolio.  In this phase I noticed a significant improvement in my writing, vocabulary, and creativity.  Now I just need to improve on target dates lol.  The reading materials provided by Professor Buchanan had techniques on source gathering as well citing tips that were extremely helpful tools.  This final phase as well as the previous phases has assisted in revisions of the previous papers on each phase assisted the prior leading to the final which for me was the easiest to write because it’s a reflective collaboration of everything learned and written utilized to improve writing, reading and vocabulary techniques.

  The take aways of this class were more than I anticipated.  One of them being the materials provided by Professor Buchanan were definitely big factor in aiding the improvement of my creativity, vocabulary brainstorming and writing.  I felt a little exploited throughout the process with the heavy amount of reading and writing required by this class but in retrospect the outcome were exactly my intentions.  To be a better writer communicator and furthermore to improve my vocabulary, attributes that I will definitely need going forward in life.

Bridgette Soto

English Composition 110

Professor Buchanan

Love for a Non-Native

Love for a Non-Native CCNY student writer Minhajul Khan gives a descriptive unfeigned process of learning to speak Arabic and the embracement of its culture.  His perseverance and resilience to learn a difficult culture have paved the way for him to pursue additional knowledge of other languages.  Minhajul recounts how he was initially introduced to and captivated by the Arabic language and then by its history.  How it has helped him with his religion, family, and life. To further bolster his claim the writer, employs several rhetorical strategies.  The first is his elaborate vivid description of the Arabic culture and the encouragement it has given him to conquer his fears by learning diverse languages and exploring cultures. Moreover, the pinnacle of his spiritual journey was the embarkment to the Iraqi mosque.  The pilgrimage that would pave the way for his future endeavors.

Minhajul an electrical engineering major and minoring in Arabic studies at City College per his parent’s wishes.  He hopes to someday acquire a position within an engineering firm at a supervisory level.  Additionally, he enjoys reading holy texts such as the Quran, New Testament, and Vedas furthermore he enjoys the various ideologies and their history.  Minhajul also engages in peer envision writing exercises in class that have helped refine his writing techniques and approaches.  In his five-year long-term goals, Minhajul sees himself married with kids, lots of them., a degree in electrical engineering and a minor in history and Arabic studies or even maybe comparative religious studies and ambitions successful in life from all aspects, from being a great father, a great husband, a great son, a great engineer.

Minhajul is an inspiring engineering student at City College who has always been captivated by the exotic language of Arabic.  In a recent insightful interview, he shared his enthusiasm for the language recollecting his fondest memories were the quiet evenings in Bangladesh struggling to compose sentences, “feeling overwhelmed by the unfamiliar script and complicated grammar”.  Just when frustration begins to consume him, his tutor, Ahmed, smiles warmly and says, “Keep in mind that every word in Arabic has meaning and history”.  A testament to his unwavering dedication to refining his craft.  Despite his initial uncertainty about his abilities to learn Arabic, Minhajul recognized the value of honing his communication skills to grow spiritually, personally, and professionally.  His approach to writing is characterized by a candid and introspective narrative style, where he seamlessly intertwines his personal experiences with his professional endeavors. In his essay, ” Love for A Non-Native” he tactfully employs evocative and descriptive language that reflects his keen writing skills in addition to the capacity to transform his experiences into vivid and engaging essays.  In his essay, Minhajul’s intense description of his journey into the world of Arabia is marked by a profound sense of fervor and enthusiasm, evident in his use of phrases like ” the beautiful tongue of Arabic ” and ” Arabic was a life-changing event that exposed my heart and mind to a world of richness ” This rhetorical choice effectively captures the reader’s attention, inviting them to embark on his crusade and share in his exploration of new cultural experiences. 

 Minhajul employs a strategic use of imagery and metaphor to illustrate his Arabic journey. He introduces the language in his narrative as a “beautiful tongue” describing the “lovely language” as “life changing that filled his heart with richness and depth”. His pilgrimage to the Iraqi Mosque was emphasized as a moment of significance and the peak of his Arabic crusade.  Idioms such as “melodic tones of faithful worshippers’ recitation of the Quran’” including “As I stood in the middle of a breathtaking architectural giant” not only showcase his keen sensitivity to the subtleties of language but also highlight his expressive nuances and intricacies of language and culture. 

Throughout his narrative, Minhajul masterfully weaves the theme of spirituality and language. His use of phrases ” where the sands speaks of warmth during the day and wet during the nights” and recounts the Arabian peninsula is where stories of Aladin take place. The ability to engage in meaningful conversations in Arabic opened doors to friendships and cultural exchanges I could have never imagined. Reflects his innate ability to foster a sense of solidarity emphasizing the significance of mutual support and camaraderie in his spiritual and linguistic endeavors.

In his concluding reflections, Minhajul eloquently emphasizes the transformative power of language and the profound impact it has had on his personal growth. By acknowledging his grasp of Arabic, he emphasizes the lasting connections and empathetic bonds he has formed, transcending the limitations of linguistic proficiency and cultural differences. This profound sense of empathy and unity showcases his innate ability to weave personal experiences with broader themes of human connection.  His strong connection to religion and his dedication to supersede any life challenges, there is no question in my mind that Minhajul will succeed in future endeavors.  All the best to him!!

Bridgette Soto

English Comp 110

Professor Buchanan

Cover Letter

Love for Non- Native

In his essay titled Love for A Non-Native published in 2023, CCNY student author, Minhajul Khan asserts his profoundness of the Arabic language by addressing his life-changing experience on his journey learning the language and how it has enriched his life.  By supplying his audience with information about the Arabic language and culture Minhajul Khan builds his claim about learning to speak and write Arabic including how it helped in his religion.  He introduces the audience with feelings of awe and love for the language and religion as  he creates a spiritual and enlightening environment for the reader with information about his favorite places to study, and his instructor’s patience including the significance of every Arab word and the history behind its meaning, solidifying his claim about his love for the language.  Minhajul wishes to convey to his readers the importance of his journey to learn Arabic and the struggles and rewards of learning another language and culture.  The author’s audience likely consists of those interested in speaking Arabic or of the Muslim faith as is evident through his reference to his visit to Iraq to visit the mosque in addition to listening to the melodic recitation of the Quran.  He addresses the reader with a tone that is informative and heartfelt.

Bridgette Soto

English Comp / Prof. Buchanan

Title: Urban English

Phase I

   

Hip hop can be defined as dance, music genre, fashion, and a culture. Hip hop originated in New York City in the late 1970’s and is divided into elements. There was Dj-ing. DJs like Kool Herc, Afrika Bambaataa, Grand Wizard Theodore, and Grandmaster Flash were the first pioneers to introduce turn table cutting, scratching, and electro tracking. The second element was MC-ing.  The initial innovator MC’s were Sugar Hill Gang, KRS One, Chuck D, Big Daddy Kane, and Rakim are equivalent to current day rap legends like LL Kool J and Dr. Dre. The third element was B boyin/girlin. It was the first form of hip-hop dance. Dancers like Crazy Legs, Rokafella, and Kwikstep were some of the popular original hip-hop dancers. The fourth element of Hip Hop was art better known as graffiti. Lady Pink and the Tats Cru were  fundamental to the incorporate art of the hip hop culture. The Fifth element of Hip Hop is fashion. The Kangol hat, and Adidas sneakers were synonymous with Hip Hop as is Russell Simmons with Phat Pharm. Over the decades the Hip Hop genre, fashion, art, and dance have evolved, however it’s a way of life for the marginalized of New York City and every city where there is urban decay.

 

 

  I am a first generation American in my family, both my parents were born in Puerto Rico and migrated from Puerto Rico during the Puerto Rican diaspora. They settled in the Bronx before it became the origins of Hip hop music which was home to many diasporic minorities, predominately Blacks and Latinos. Hip hop music was my influence growing up and was inevitable not to adapt to the language when it was the language of the youth. The genre did not only influence music but, it impacted fashion, language, and eventually American culture. I remember how adidas sneakers, hoodies and Levis were a must have.  Phrases like “What’s up” and “What’s good” it is urban English for “How are you?” The word “fresh” was not used to describe food but to something nice. “Your bugging” meant you’re crazy and the term “bad” meant something good.  Urban English was the language for areas with “urban decay ”aka “the hood” and only peoples from there could understand these phrases which continue to evolve today.  Although we go to school to learn the standard and proper English,  the minute we were out of school it was back to Ebonics.  I didn’t even realize how it consumed me until I started working in a corporate environment where my Hip hop accent was evident. Once my workplace became my dominate environment, my business vocabulary became noticeable with my friends and family. Don’t get it twisted now because I can switch it like a light now Lol.  I’ve learned over the years that Hip hop urban English will always be a part of me it also lets me identify with my surroundings and the people within my community.  Living in a big city like New York it helps to be savvy in all aspects of language.

 

 Growing up in the South Bronx in the midst of the Hip hop explosion adapting the language is inevitable. The language has become part of my identity in addition to being a staple part of New York City, in addition to becoming a part of American society and pop culture. Today, the Hip hop language is a hot topic in academia . Sociolinguist have been interested in how Hip-hop language relates to Afro American English as well as its innovation in terms of grammar and vocabulary and because here I am writing this essay about it. Personally find it amazing how the music genre transformed into a multi -faceted conglomerate that continues re-innovating.

 

 

Hip hop continues to evolve and has become more mainstream and part of today’s pop culture. The was once associated with drugs crime and violent ghettos is now being assimilated by youths worldwide, I can truly say that Urban English has established its place in modern society. I feel that the Black Lives Matter Movement assisted in the Black / Indigenous Culture Movement and Ebonics is a part of that liberation which in my opinion was way overdue. Hip Hop English took 5 decades in the making and will be here for generation to come.