Our class should adhere to the curriculum, and have the class on Black English for the following reasons:
First, I do not agree with the statement that we are spending too much time on the topic. A few readings have been on the topic; thus, saying that “we are spending too much time on Black English” is an overstatement.
The objective of the readings have been to recognize that the English Language is constantly changing and evolving. New expressions and language forms have become politically correct when it comes to writing; a process that is inevitable. Recognized as a dialect with its own set of rules and grammar, Black English’s influence on American Standard English is also inevitable. Moreover, new and innovative methods that some teachers and school districts are beginning to use, adhere to the theory shared by many linguists, that Black English is a legitimate and intelligent form of communication.
Although there are many English dialects, African American Vernacular English is the closest to home; therefore, it is worth studying and becoming more familiar with it. It is a language spoken not only by the black community, but also by whites, Hispanics and Asians.
Spoken by several ethnic groups, Black English transcends cultural differences, and this being a diversity class, I believe it is a topic worth covering and worth understanding. Besides, learning diversity is only possible if our class discussion involves people of diverse background.
Black English’s resistance to assimilation into American Standard English has been the consequence of cultural and historical differences between some ethnic groups. To a certain degree, understanding those differences, including the spoken language, is a step toward non-discriminatory practices and changes in negative attitudes towards specific groups.
At last, incorporating black English into the educational system is a topic of major controversy among experts and linguists.
Jairo Toro
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3 comments:
I would like it if we focused more on the black English language debate. I like how our classroom has a wide variety of ethnic backgrounds and opinions. I think the study and analysis of black english is very interesting under the opinions propsed in our classroom. Many ethnicities other than African American use the black english dialect as a way of communication. Many people as far as I have noticed that are not African american use the dialect more so in their own social circles. It's interseting how some people that are not of the African American background take on their use of language from being around other African americans or just prefer that language use over the many others.
Jairo, I think you also touch on something worthy of ample consideration: the use of Black English as a form of resistance, against oppression and against assimilation.
While some may consider it disengenious, I consider our study of Black English to be "furthering the cause" of that resistance, which I personally believe is a worthy cause indeed.
I think you said something that is very true- that Black English can be spoken by many other races as well. If so many people today speak it, how can we not look at it?
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