LANGUAGE ANALYSIS OF “SCHOOL’S OUT”

From the extract, we can draw certain conclusions about the dialectal varieties, the attitudes to

language, the language registers and the communicative behaviours of the characters.

The language register used is formal and consultative. Russ, for example, chooses a formal

register as he seems to be new in his role as a supervisor, and presumably, he deems this register

most appropriate for communication within his immediate work environment. His use of a

formal diction enhances his professional deportment and indicates the professional rapport he

shares with his colleagues. Notes he calls Joe ‘Mr. Josephs.’ His register can also be seen as

consultative as he asks questions and expects feedback from the staff about Mr. Hendry.

The teachers use the Jamaican Standard English (J.S.E). Their choice is likely governed by the

context of the office space in which they are communicating and the professional nature of their

relationship.

The different attitudes to the Jamaican Standard English and the non-standard variety are

communicated through the characters’ verbal exchange. The J.S.E is the celebrated variety, and

is used by all the speakers in their interactions. Consequently, although Mr. Hendry could not

write the standard variety accurately on the reports, he made an attempt to use it. The attitude to

the non-standard variety is one of derision and embarrassment. Russ is alarmed that Mr. Hendry

has not mastered the J.S.E, and he (Russ) is quite dismayed by the creole-influenced errors (his-

is, as-has) that Mr. Hendry has made on these reports. Therefore, Russ is adamant to have the

reports revised as they cannot be distributed with the errors.

Russ feels strongly about poor English and its implications, hence he laments that Mr. Hendry is

“creating havoc in the school.” This very poignant expression shows the negative attitude

towards the non-standard variety. Mr. Hendry’s inability to write in J.S.E has caused him to be

ridiculed by Pat and the others. Pat, for instance, mocks him by saying, “He is favorite teacher,

what can he does.”

The attitude to the dialectal varieties is further highlighted by the communicative behaviours of

the characters. When Russ shows the teachers the reports, everyone (except Joe and Russ)

laughs. This (the teachers’ response with laughter) shows the teachers’ attitude of ridicule

towards Mr. Hendry. The fact that Russ and Joe do not laugh is an indication that they consider

the matter serious, egregious even, and they believe the issue needs to be addressed.

The communicative behaviour of Mr. Hendry shows that he is embarrassed about his linguistic

incompetence. Note he becomes “red in the face” and “turns and walks away” when he is

confronted about his errors. He is, however, insulted, or offended by the artifacts (the reports).

Mr. Hendry’s hurt and shame become evident when he walks away following Russ’ scolding and

insistence on having the reports redone.