African American Vernacular Language

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Language is best defined by as a way of communication among individuals. In order to properly converse with others, a common language must be shared amongst them. But, it is not as easy as it may sound. Having one specific language used universally is not possible. It is not possible because each culture has their own unique background. Our ancestors spent decades upon decades perfecting a language to be used within their communities. Each language, whether it be standard American English or African American vernacular English, was made specifically for that community. Since African Americans have grown up learning and speaking African American vernacular English, then their language should not be changed because of someone else’s viewpoint on it. It should not be taught to them the opposite way of what they have learned their whole life because it is something that has come from an individual’s heritage. Just as a white person’s language should not be changed to compromise with the African American vernacular English because of its background. As James Baldwin said in “If Black English Isn’t a Language, Then Tell Me, What Is?,” “People …show more content…

“I remember being caught speaking Spanish at recess- that was good for three licks on the knuckles with a sharp ruler. I remember being sent to the corner of the classroom for ‘talking back’ to the Anglo teacher when all I was trying to do was tell her how to pronounce my name. ‘If you want to be American, speak ‘American.’ If you don’t like it, go back to Mexico where you belong.” Just because Gloria was not speaking the same language that her teacher was, does not mean that she does not belong in America. It just means that she needs someone to help teach her that will actually understand what she is saying. This also ties into racism because Gloria was being discriminated by her teacher for not communicating the same was as the teacher

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