1. Introduction
African American Vernacular English (AAVE) is the variety formerly known as Black English Vernacular or Vernacular Black English among sociolinguists. It is also called Ebonics outside the academic community. While some features of AAVE are apparently unique to this variety, in its structure it also shows many similarities with other varieties including a number of standard and nonstandard English varieties spoken in the US. AAVE has been the subject of several public debates. The analysis of this variety has caused a lot of discussion among sociolinguists and also among the American people.
AAVE is a language that I hear every day through the music I hear and the Internet I use. This was the main reason that I chose to learn more about AAVE. Many people think AAVE is the same as Standard American English but this is not true.
In this paper I will investigate whether AAVE is a dialect or a slang. And also the origins of AAVE and the features of AAVE (Phonological-, grammatical and lexical features) and the social and educational context of AAVE will be explained more in this paper.
Through many research in the library of the university of Antwerp and the library of the university of Leuven but also through many research on the internet I was able to collect and investigate this subject. With the great help of my teacher I was able to make this paper
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. What is AAVE?
- 3. The origins of AAVE
- 3.1. The Afrocentric view
- 3.2. The Eurocentric view
- 3.3. The Creolist view
- 4. The Oakland school Board proposal
- 5. Features of AAVE
- 5.1. Phonological features
- 5.2. Grammatical features
- 5.2.1. Tense and aspect
- 5.2.1.1. Optional past-tense marking
- 5.2.1.2. Obligatory aspect marking
- 5.2.1.3. Markers of tense, mood and aspect
- 5.2.1.4. Semantic features
- 5.2.1.5. Negation
- 5.3. Lexicon of AAVE
- 6. Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper investigates African American Vernacular English (AAVE), exploring its classification as a dialect or slang, its origins, and its key linguistic features. The aim is to provide a comprehensive overview of AAVE, considering its social and educational context. * AAVE's Classification: Dialect or Slang? * The Origins of AAVE: Different Perspectives * Linguistic Features of AAVE: Phonology, Grammar, and Lexicon * The Social Context of AAVE * The Educational Implications of AAVEChapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This chapter introduces African American Vernacular English (AAVE), its various names, and its similarities and differences with other English varieties. It highlights the public debates surrounding AAVE and the author's personal motivation for studying it, stemming from their daily exposure to the language. The chapter outlines the paper's objectives: to investigate AAVE's classification, origins, and linguistic features, along with its social and educational implications. The author describes their research methods, highlighting the use of university libraries and online resources.
2. What is AAVE?: This chapter defines AAVE as a nonstandard form of American English predominantly spoken by African Americans. It differentiates AAVE from Ebonics, characterizing the latter as a precursor with more slang features. The chapter focuses heavily on the controversy surrounding the Oakland School Board's 1996 resolution recognizing AAVE. The negative public reaction is detailed, emphasizing misconceptions about the resolution's goals. The chapter then explains the role and principles of linguists, using their perspectives to support the classification of AAVE as a dialect rather than slang, citing the systematic and rule-governed nature of AAVE.
Keywords
African American Vernacular English (AAVE), Ebonics, dialect, slang, sociolinguistics, phonology, grammar, lexicon, Oakland School Board, linguistic features, social context, education.
African American Vernacular English (AAVE): A Comprehensive Language Preview - FAQ
What is this document about?
This document provides a comprehensive overview of African American Vernacular English (AAVE), including its definition, origins, linguistic features, social context, and educational implications. It explores the debate surrounding AAVE's classification as a dialect or slang and examines various perspectives on its origins. The document also summarizes key chapters from a larger work on AAVE.
What topics are covered in the Table of Contents?
The table of contents covers an introduction to AAVE, a definition of AAVE, its origins (including Afrocentric, Eurocentric, and Creolist views), the Oakland School Board proposal, key features of AAVE's phonology, grammar (including tense, aspect, negation, and semantic features), lexicon, and a conclusion.
What are the main objectives and key themes of the document?
The main objectives are to investigate AAVE's classification (dialect vs. slang), explore its origins from different perspectives, analyze its linguistic features (phonology, grammar, lexicon), and examine its social and educational contexts. Key themes include the controversies surrounding AAVE, the linguistic arguments for classifying it as a dialect, and its implications for education.
What are the key features of AAVE discussed in the document?
The document details phonological, grammatical, and lexical features of AAVE. Grammatical features include a focus on tense and aspect, specifically addressing optional past-tense marking, obligatory aspect marking, and markers of tense, mood, and aspect. Semantic features and negation are also discussed.
What is the significance of the Oakland School Board proposal?
The 1996 Oakland School Board proposal to recognize AAVE is discussed as a significant event that sparked considerable public debate and controversy. The document highlights the negative public reaction and misconceptions surrounding the proposal's goals.
What are the different perspectives on the origins of AAVE?
The document explores three main perspectives on the origins of AAVE: the Afrocentric view, the Eurocentric view, and the Creolist view. Each offers a different explanation for the development and characteristics of the language.
How does the document define and differentiate AAVE and Ebonics?
AAVE is defined as a nonstandard form of American English predominantly spoken by African Americans. Ebonics is differentiated as a precursor term with potentially more slang features. The document emphasizes that AAVE is a systematic and rule-governed language variety, a point often missed in public discussions.
What is the conclusion of the document?
The conclusion summarizes the findings regarding AAVE's classification, origins, and linguistic features. It likely reiterates the importance of understanding AAVE as a legitimate dialect with its own systematic structure, emphasizing its social and educational implications. (Specific details of the conclusion are not provided in the preview.)
What are the keywords associated with this document?
Key words include: African American Vernacular English (AAVE), Ebonics, dialect, slang, sociolinguistics, phonology, grammar, lexicon, Oakland School Board, linguistic features, social context, and education.
What methodologies are used in this research?
The author mentions utilizing university libraries and online resources for their research on AAVE.
- Quote paper
- Haider Madhloum (Author), 2011, African American Vernacular English - Origins and Features , Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/168294
