Response to Laura Lindsay's Junkyard Week 1, Quote 1

I find the use of "mines" intriguing in this instance for several reasons.  First, I love that a problem with correct usage led to a discussion where students were explaining and reasoning their own speech--with their language. Obviously, the students felt confident in their own speech to argue with the teacher regarding the use of the word "mines". Second, I think that it eludes to an underlying theme with students: Ownership and Identity. Clearly, this student identifies with the object, whatever it may be, her homework, her book bag, her lunch, and more importantly she identifies it as belonging to her and only her. Being an English teacher myself, I can't help but see the irony that the students were able to carry on a meaningful discussion about their language, correct or not. Then, the student continues to offer a reasoning behind her language (1. You know what it means and 2. It sounds good.). If you notice your explanation for correct usage never really gives a clear, determinate reason for WHY we say " I have my"  instead of "I got mines". So, who really has this language thing figured out, the cringing teacher sweating at the board covered in dry erase marker or the student who knows just exactly what me and mines want to say?