African American Dialect
African American Vernacular English is the formal name given to describe African American dialects. There are other less formal names for it including African American English, African American Language, and Ebonics. African American Vernacular English (AAVE) shares characteristics of both Southern American English and African creole. Its usage can vary based on social and economic factors.
There are several different theories concerning the evolution of AAVE. Some believe that it began with slavery and it was a way that slaves could communicate during the trans-Atlantic voyage without being understood by their captors. Others argue that it is a mixture of the British dialects to which slaves would have been exposed. During the times of the Revolution, there is written evidence of a "slave language" among the slave creoles.
There are many differences between AAVE and American Standard English (ASE). Some of these differences present themselves in grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary. AAVE speakers tend to ignore verb tense, use negatives differently, drop the copula be, and include different vocabulary words. Several words of African origin have been added to American Standard English. Some of these words include gumbo, yam, and banjo.
There are different views on the appropriateness of the use of AAVE. Linguists mostly agree that AAVE is an appropriate dialect. Others argue that it has negative connotations associated with it. This view is popular among many African Americans. Educators continue to try to figure out its place in the education system.
Related Research Paper Topic Suggestions
African Americans In Louisiana - African Americans in Louisiana research papers trace the history of various racial/ethnic groups living in Louisiana.
Afro-Creole Culture and Influence - Afro-Creole Culture and Influence Research Papers look at the history of the emancipation of African Americans.
Define African American Culture - Defining African American Culture Research Paper explore the African American's history, development, and distinguishing characteristics Writing Research Papers is Made Easy Through Paper Masters.
Psychology of Blackness - Psychology of Blackness research papers discuss this psychological perspective that tries to include the unique worldview of African-Americans.
Rap Artists - Research papers on Rap artists examine their history and how these rap artists have taken on a variety of forms based on the culture and society in which they have expressed their art.