Personal narrative and the formation of place-identity in northern New Mexico: Applied research in rural education

This dissertation explores the relationship of personal narrative and the formation of place-identity in northern New Mexico Hispanic villages. In particular it identifies particular linguistic and discursive strategies that are emphasized within naturally occurring and institutional speech-events in the villages, households, and schools. These linguistic strategies contribute to a larger trajectory of language socialization that is somewhat particular to the region. Some of these linguistic strategies include the use of regional Spanish lexicon and syntax as well as linguistic competence in certain areas cultural content.; Place-identity is suggested as one area of formation of complex personal and ethnic identity processes. Place-identity in northern New Mexico villages is relevant to the development of continuing levels of ethnic identity and community affinity and therefore is integral to different contexts and strategies for language socialization in the region. It is even more relevant in remote mountain villages that continue in the use of land-based behaviors and cultural practices.; This dissertation is part of an ongoing ethnographic study designed to have application in areas of educational practices. A mixed-methods approach provides linguistic data that is analyzed using different strategies of narrative and discourse analysis with an emphasis on school children. Data was collected from many social contexts including; school bus trips, households, social events, classrooms and outdoor activities. A very general application is to support educational orientations that purport the use of students' cultural backgrounds into educational curriculum and place-based education projects.