Essay Outline

I plan on using field observations and collection of data to make connections between literacy and the surrounding environment. It will help me draw conclusions about how reading, writing, and speaking have shaped my community. I chose this method due to perception value. It will help me learn more about aesthetics, renovations, and any text I see in the neighborhood where I currently reside.

I used literacy practices found in my local library. I’ve discovered that there is an emphasis placed on modern times and environmental events. A book placed on discussion by the club was “The Crow Valley Karaoke championships”, by Ali Bryan. This was written just recently in 2023 and showcases a local karaoke, which was despite a recent fire occurrence and death of a few noted individuals. We find that this can be connected to Covid-19 and the local celebrations we find around Queens, Elmhurst, and Rego Park.

I’ve also found that there is a greater depth in making adaptations to English. The library offers classes for children seeking to learn this primary language. Additionally, we find that the library’s exterior and interior are well renovated and designed for appeal. This conforms with:

• Shop names having text in both English and their secondary language

• Buildings around the neighborhood being uniform to one another for sightseeing and modernity. They appear closely to Manhattan union square’s.

• Ad coloration and objects outside and around the market place similar and possessing emphasis for interest value: Use of dolls and statues, multiple coloration on store front ads, aesthetics in computer ad writing.

I believe my project details a hegemonic discourse due to no outdated design I found in the main street and marketplace surroundings. Gentrification left no run-down market building. My research showcases environmental mandatory adaptations.

The article “Chinese-Immigrant-Parents-Perspectives”, by Guofang Li connotes with my research using ethnography. In this neighborhood, there are stark implications of how Asian parents are desperate for their children’s acceptance in the English-speaking world. The marketplace and Library surroundings place an emphasis on learning English from the adults: found there are the free English learning classes for children and text containing English and secondary languages.

By using ethnography research, we can give better context on cultural beliefs and standards found in an area. It allows us to understand others better.