There are several definitions about what language variations are and numerous labels
have been given to them. A. D. Edwards, Senior Lecturer in Education at the
University of Manchester, for example distinguished four different kinds of dialects that
can be found in almost every language.1 According to Edwards the Standard Dialect is
that variety, which is most commonly used in everyday life, in media, government,
religion – and on every other occasion “when speech most closely resembles the
written form”.2 Geographical Dialects evolve out of isolation of groups of speakers of
one language. The more time passes, the less theses speakers will sound the same
and differences in pronunciation, grammar and lexis will occur, creating regional
divergences of the source language. The same can happen in microcosmic relation,
for example in urban life, where sharp differences in speech between speakers not
only reflect but also reinforce social distances. Variations here are called Social Class
Dialects. Last not least, Edwards determines the Ethnic Dialect as a variation that
“often contains reminders of the ‘native’ language, the intrusion of ‘foreign’ sound,
words and structures, and it often reflects the residential and perhaps occupational
segregation.”3
And this is what the whole issue of Ebonics, of Black English, of African
American Vernacular English (AAVE) in America deals with. It raises questions: What
is Black English and what characterizes it? Is it a dialect, a language? How does
segregation show in the use of a language, and what is the public opinion towards
black slang? What do the blacks think about their own way of communication? This
paper will take a close look at these questions and will show aspects of controversies
in America’s current public discussions. It will show that the concept of Ebonics is
mores than just a plain way of speaking and how a language – at the same time – can
be a symbol of status as well as a social curse to a whole culture.
1 Edwards, J. A., Language in Culture and Class.
2 Edwards, J. A., 1976, p. 46.
3 Edwards, J. A., 1976, p. 48.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Curse or blessing: about the black language variation in America
- About standards and variations in American English - scientific approaches
- Characteristic features of AAVE
- Phonologic features of AAVE
- Morphological and syntactical features of AAVE
- Differences in Lexis
- Black English, AAVE, Ebonics: a recognized & independent language by law
- Voices of America: attitudes towards the concept of Black English
- Being an African American in statistics
- About the new black intelligentsia and black ghetto kids
- The role of Ebonics and why black skin doesn't make you black automatically
- Then why are there bad attitudes coming from the black society within?
- What is there left to say?
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper examines the linguistic variety known as Ebonics (also Black English or African American Vernacular English - AAVE), exploring its characteristics, societal perceptions, and the controversies surrounding its classification as a dialect or independent language. It investigates the historical context of AAVE, its relationship to Standard American English, and the attitudes of both the African American community and broader American society towards it.
- The definition and characteristics of AAVE
- The classification of AAVE as a dialect or independent language
- Societal attitudes and perceptions of AAVE
- The historical and social context of AAVE development
- Internal perspectives within the African American community regarding AAVE
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
1. Curse or blessing: about the black language variation in America: This chapter introduces the concept of language variation, outlining different types of dialects (Standard, Geographical, Social Class, and Ethnic) according to A.D. Edwards. It frames Ebonics/AAVE within this framework, highlighting its significance as an ethnic dialect and posing key questions about its nature, characteristics, and societal perceptions. The chapter sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the complexities and controversies surrounding AAVE.
2. About standards and variations in American English – scientific approaches: This chapter delves into the definition of Standard English (StE) and its application to American English. It discusses the linguistic diversity within the United States, highlighting regional variations (Northern, Southern, and Midland English) and the lack of a universally accepted definition of Standard American English. The chapter then examines contrasting viewpoints on AAVE's classification: dialectologists viewing it as a Southern American English variety and creolists considering it a separate language. The chapter emphasizes AAVE's oppositional nature toward the language of the white majority, reflecting power dynamics and social boundaries.
3. Characteristic features of AAVE: This chapter details the phonological, morphological, and syntactical features of AAVE. It explores specific phonological characteristics identified by William Labov, such as r- and H-lessness, the substitution of alveolar 'd' for 'th', and consonant cluster simplification. The chapter also examines the absence of third-person singular present tense markers and the optional omission of the auxiliary verb 'have' in AAVE syntax. These features are presented as distinct from Standard American English, highlighting the unique linguistic structure of AAVE.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Ebonics, AAVE, African American Vernacular English, Black English, language variation, dialect, sociolinguistics, Standard American English, linguistic features, phonology, morphology, syntax, social attitudes, power dynamics, linguistic identity.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview of Ebonics/AAVE
What is the focus of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive overview of Ebonics, also known as African American Vernacular English (AAVE), or Black English. It explores its linguistic characteristics, societal perceptions, and the ongoing debate about its classification as a dialect or independent language.
What topics are covered in the Table of Contents?
The document covers a range of topics including: the debate surrounding AAVE as a "curse" or "blessing"; scientific approaches to understanding AAVE and Standard American English; the phonological, morphological, and lexical features of AAVE; the legal recognition of AAVE; attitudes towards AAVE within the African American community and broader American society; the role of AAVE in the context of the African American intelligentsia and those living in impoverished areas; and reflections on societal attitudes and the future of this discussion.
What are the key objectives and themes?
The key objectives are to define and characterize AAVE; examine its classification as a dialect or independent language; analyze societal attitudes towards it; explore its historical and social context; and understand internal perspectives within the African American community on AAVE.
What are the main points of each chapter summary?
Chapter 1 introduces language variation and frames Ebonics/AAVE within this context, raising key questions about its nature and societal perceptions. Chapter 2 delves into the definition of Standard English and its application to American English, contrasting viewpoints on AAVE's classification as either a Southern American English variety or a separate language. Chapter 3 details the phonological, morphological, and syntactical features that distinguish AAVE from Standard American English.
What are the key linguistic features of AAVE discussed?
The document highlights phonological features such as r- and H-lessness, the substitution of 'd' for 'th', and consonant cluster simplification. Morphological and syntactical features include the absence of third-person singular present tense markers and the optional omission of the auxiliary verb 'have'.
How is AAVE classified in this document?
The document presents contrasting viewpoints on the classification of AAVE. Some consider it a dialect of Southern American English, while others view it as a separate language. The debate's complexity and the lack of a universally agreed-upon definition are emphasized.
What are the societal attitudes towards AAVE?
The document explores varying societal attitudes towards AAVE, acknowledging the historical and social context of its development and the power dynamics reflected in its relationship to Standard American English. It also investigates internal perspectives within the African American community.
What are the key words associated with this topic?
Key words include: Ebonics, AAVE, African American Vernacular English, Black English, language variation, dialect, sociolinguistics, Standard American English, linguistic features, phonology, morphology, syntax, social attitudes, power dynamics, and linguistic identity.
- Quote paper
- Andre Vatter (Author), 2003, You ain't no never say that! - Ebonics as a linguistic variety and attitudes towards it., Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/12036
