Variation, part 3
This week, we’re going to focus on one particular dialect – African American Language. African American Language (AAL) – also called Black Language (BL), African American English (AAE), African American Vernacular English (AAVE), Ebonics, etc. – has historically been the most studied dialect/variety in linguistics, but it remains stigmatized in education and other contexts.
To learn more about AAL, we’ll turn to the work of Black and African American linguists and language scholars in the film and reading linked below.
First, WATCH:
Talking Black in America (~57 min)
You can access the film here, using the class password.
Update: it’s also up on Youtube, at least for now!
The homework contains a few questions focused on the film, copied below. I’d suggest looking over them before you start watching, and answering as you watch!
- Historically, how did AAL (African American Language) develop?
- What is a unique linguistic style or skill associated with AAL?
- What is one specific linguistic feature of AAL (in terms of phonology, morphology, syntax, vocabulary, etc.) discussed in the film?
- What is one way AAL has influenced broader culture?
- How have AAL and its speakers been marginalized?
- What is a benefit of embracing AAL?
Second, READ:
Chapter 1 & 2, Linguistic Justice (April Baker-Bell, 2020) – use the class password to access
(the book talk below also introduces some of the same ideas)
You’ll get a chance to reflect on both the film and the reading in the homework, and we’ll discuss them together in our optional Zoom class!
Next up:
Next week, we’ll discuss SLA (Second Language Acquisition) and Translanguaging!
(art at the top: “Freedom School” by Synthia Saint James)
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