Ebonics Essay, Research Paper
Ebonics, or Black English, was recently a controversial topic in the United States, when the Oakland School District school board attempted to classify ebonics as a completely different language from Standard American English (SAE). There was further controversy when the school board stated that ebonics was genetic. This report will explain Ebonics and its origin, as well as the Oakland school board case.
There are over 20 million blacks in the United States today. It is hard to tell exactly how many people speak Black English because it is not the language that all blacks in America speak, and also there are other races that speak Black English to some extent in certain areas of the country, mainly urban areas and in the South. In addition, white people, especially in urban and Southern areas, speak Black English to some extent. It is called Black English, nevertheless, because most of the people who employ it are African-American.
In America, most black children first learn Ebonics before SAE from their parents and their environment. Once they get to school though, some will encounter many types of problems because classes are taught in SAE. It is easier to adapt to the dialect or language your peers use so if they are taught in an area where many of the children use SAE, they will most likely adapt with few problems. Some blacks will speak in Ebonics at home and in many informal situations and then they will use Standard English when they are in situations that call for “proper” English.
There is a tendency for young black men to use Ebonics far more than older blacks. Black people nowadays use Black English more than the older generation because they feel more pride in their heritage and culture because of the equality movements back in the 60’s. There are still obviously people who think of Ebonics as inferior or improper English though. Ebonics is not improper or inferior, it is simply a variation on Standard English. It is clear that Ebonics has gained respect because it has a title other than “Negro Non Standard English” or “Negro Dialect”, the names that Black English were formerly know by . Black Americans have gained more respect in American society. Hopefully, Black English will also get the respect that it deserves. Next the origins of Black English, or Ebonics, will be explained.
Ebonics is a combination of West African languages and Standard American English. The West African languages were incorporated into the English language when Americans brought slaves from those areas. The slaves, while on plantations, would not be taught anything and usually they were mixed on purpose with slaves who spoke a different language so that they could not easily communicate and organize rebellion. The slaves improvised and created a pidgin language so that they could communicate with each other as well as their masters. The pidgin language became known as a plantation creole as the children of the people who started using it employed the pidgin language as their native language and added words and grammatical rules. Eventually, slaves were liberated and many blacks learned SAE. There are still many black people who use an evolved form of the plantation creole today, though it is called Ebonics. Now that the history of Ebonics has been explained, the following paragraphs will describe the distinct speech rules and grammatical patterns of Black English.
Black English is similar to Standard American English in many basic ways. However, there are variations in speech and grammar that make it such a unique language. Black English tends to be more “sung” than spoken. It is not sung as in spoken with a tune, though, there just tends to be more of a rhythmic pattern in speech. Another difference is that Ebonics is spoken more nasally than SAE. This is also a characteristic of African languages, so it is safe to say that this is where the nasal manner of speaking comes from. An example of nasal speaking would be the word head being pronounced as “hayd” in Black English or bed being pronounced as “bayd”. Other differences are the dropping of the l in words like sef (self) and switching the v to a b in hab (have) and the th to a d in dis (this). Many words that are commonly used today come from older Black English. Words such as jazz, jukebox, and mumbo jumbo are a few examples. Also, many modern slang terms are adopted into popular language from Black English. Some of these words are kicks (shoes) and slammer (jail) , as well as many more popular terms that are commonly used as slang.
The grammar rules for Black English are unconventional, but sometimes they are more convenient and make more sense than the SAE we use on a daily basis and learn in school. Some people argue that Black English doesn’t have any grammatical rules Some are not more or less convenient, they are just unique. In Black English, the linking verb, or copula, is often omitted. Instead of saying “He is going”, Ebonics rules will change the phrase to “He going.” Verb agreement is another tool that varies in Black English. In SAE, the verb agrees with the noun in a different way then it does in Black English. There is usually one verb for all subjects in Black English (example: SAE – I think, you think, he thinks, they think, we think. Black English – I think, you think, he think, we think, they think – all of the verbs are the same)
In the past tense, Black English does a few different things from SAE as well. In words that in SAE end with – ed, many times in Black English they do not have the – ed ending. (Example: In SAE- “He lived in New York” … in Black English – “He live in New York.” This can get confusing because this would be said the same in the past tense as it would be in the present tense.)
One of the most interesting variations in Black English is the changing of a – st, -sk or – sp to – ss. This would be like saying the word “mask” as “mass”. What makes this so unique is that they will then use every form of the verb this way. More than one mask would be “masses”, not “masks.”
After looking at the examples of Black English in the previous paragraphs, it is obvious that Black English certainly has its own system of speaking and that it isn’t just improper english or anything like that. Though some of the words and a few of the rules may be different from one area to the next, it certainly is true that there is a definite system in Ebonics. It is not possible for a language to function with grammar. But we have to be familiar with patterns and rules before deciding whether or not a language is substandard
Black English has come a long way from the days when the slaves started using it just for basic communication and it is proved itself strong. There are still many decisions for people to make when they decide to use this dialect in there personal lives, as well as in their public or professional lives. The educational system also must make decisions when it comes to using Black English.
Другие работы по теме:
The Ebonics Debate Essay Research Paper The
The Ebonics Debate Essay, Research Paper The Ebonics Debate On December 18th, 1996, the Oakland Unified School District adopted Ebonics, a terms which is a combination of the words ebony and phonics used to describe the African-American vernacular, as a language. Since then it seems wether on talk shows, newspaper editorials or television news, everyone wants to offer their opinion.
Black Magic Essay Research Paper More and
Black Magic Essay, Research Paper More and more people are joining groups that practice black magic. The leader of The British Occult Society is convinced it is because many people are missing excitement in their daily lives. He is certain that these people are imagining that they in that way can experience things they have read about or are dreaming about.
Black Bear Essay Research Paper Matt MeaneyPeriod
Black Bear Essay, Research Paper Matt Meaney Period 6 Extra Credit 4/2/00 The presentation given on the black bears on April Second was generally to me at least too appeared almost fake. I didn’t understand how he says they wouldn’t attack you, and it’s just a bluff charge, when just this year a woman in Boonton was attacked as well as her dog by a black bear.
Da Peoplz Language Essay Research Paper I
Da Peoplz Language Essay, Research Paper I wuz goin to da markit ta pik up sum food, when I said “yo G, wus up wit you.” He got pot an dope all ova ‘is coat, he got unuf *censored* ta fill up a boat. He took out a joint an a huge-ass gat, I said,”Yo man, thas phat!” He gave it ta me so I could look at it, and I said, ” yo, ware dyou get dat *censored*?” He tol me ware he got it, an got my ass ova dare, but wen I arived, it wuz a *censored*in nightmare. big tuf guys all ova da plase, I got scared, so grabbed my mace.
BLACK Essay Research Paper BLACK IS THE
BLACK Essay, Research Paper BLACK IS THE HOLE DEEP IN OUR HEARTS THE LONELINESS WE FEEL, WHEN OUR LOVED ONES DEPART BLACK IS THE COLOR OF THE HEAVENLY SKY THE COLOR YOU WEAR
Ebonics 3 Essay Research Paper This week
Ebonics 3 Essay, Research Paper This week s reading about race questioned the common idea of what race is. Most people would think of race as a physical, concrete identity stemming from ancestry. Superficial qualities, such as skin color, dominate the common views of race. Fields, however, throws out the idea of race being a concrete entity, and instead says that race is purely ideological.
The Black Essay Research Paper The Courageous
The Black Essay, Research Paper The Courageous Black Stallion! Here is a tale of an incredibly courageous black stallion. Down on Hopeful farm there is a guy named Alec Ramsay. One night he couldn’t sleep because he knew something was wrong. He got up and went to the barn where on a desk there was a paper about the insurance on the barn, it said it was canceled! There was a horse, Miz Liz, that Snappy, the foaling guy, was supposed to foal.
Black Essay Research Paper Black Soldiers in
Black Essay, Research Paper Black Soldiers in the Union Army During the Seventeenth, Eighteenth and part of the Nineteenth Century the White People of North America used the Black people of Africa as slaves to benefit their interests. White people created a climate of superiority of their race over the Black African race that in some places, still lingers on today.
Black Holes Essay Research Paper Our universe
Black Holes Essay, Research Paper Our universe is a vast abyss, always expanding without any end. Many objects in space are exciting and interesting. One great mystery is the black hole. Ever
HOOKED ON EBONICS Essay Research Paper 15
HOOKED ON EBONICS Essay, Research Paper 15 Feb 97 dayz: Today?s Lesson: Hooked on Ebonics: 15 Feb 97 dayz: Today?s Lesson: Hooked on Ebonics: Leroy is a 20 year old 9th grader. This be Leroy?s homework assignment. He must use each vocabulary word in a sentence.
Rap Vs Poetry Essay Research Paper Rap
Rap Vs Poetry Essay, Research Paper Rap Vs Poetry Essay submitted by Vinal Styles “When I first started rapping, me and a couple brothers would all sit around my place
We Real Cool The Pool Player Seven
At The Golden Shovel Essay, Research Paper We Real Cool The Pool Player, Seven at the Golden Shovel. A poem by Gwendolyn Brooks Abstract The lifestyle of many inner city Black youths often leads to death and destruction. This destruction can be an internal personal destruction of the individual or it can be the harsh victimization of innocent people.
Ebonics Essay Research Paper EbonicsThe United States
Ebonics Essay, Research Paper Ebonics The United States is filled with many different ethnicities, cultures, customs, languages, etc. Supposedly, our public schools are equipped with classes, teachers, curriculums and materials in order to educate that part of the student population whose first language is something other than the English language.
The Cold Within Essay Research Paper The
The Cold Within Essay, Research Paper The Cold Within Six humans trapped by happenstance in black and bitter cold Each possessed a stick of wood, Or so the story’s told.
Black Death Essay Research Paper Black Death
Black Death Essay, Research Paper Black Death This month there was a big disaster. It wasn t a war or an earthquakes. It was the 14th century plague that swept Europe called the Black Death. It first came from Central Asia then kept moving to Europe. It can kill many people in just months. The source of what gives off this disease is unknown.
Why Limp Bizkit Is Not Heavy Metal
Essay, Research Paper Why Limp Bizkit Is Not Heavy Metal If a person were to view any classic talented Heavy Metal band, it would be apparent that, the band, Limp Bizkit, is in no way resembling a Heavy Metal band. Limp Bizkit is clearly a Rap band and not a Heavy Metal band. First, the band members behave like Rappers.
Black Man Of Civil War Essay Research
Paper One of the things that were important at war was that the Blacks proving themselves was that of the Black Man acting as a soldier in the Civil War. During the Civil War the decision to use Blacks as soldiers in the
Ebonics Is Not The Answer Essay Research
Paper EBONICS IS NOT THE ANSWER Over the pass few months, a controversial subject regarding the education of African American students in the Oakland School District has made its way to the top of discussions across America. ?Ebonics? or African American Vernacular English (AAVE), or Vernacular Black English (VBE) has been erroneously called ?slang,? ?broken English,? instead the full-fledged dialect that it is.
Ebonics Essay Research Paper One of the
Ebonics Essay, Research Paper One of the conflicting issues among African Americans and Caucasians is the issue of ebonics. It s not just an issue facing one race or the other it effects both races
Ebonics A Bridge To Help Black Students
Master In Standard English. Essay, Research Paper I feel that the discussion on Ebonics has gone beyond the original objectives of the program. Ebonics is a bridge to make Afro-American children understand more the English language. Mexican Americans use the code-switching technique to learn the language.
Ebonics Essay Research Paper EBONICSEbonics also known
Ebonics Essay, Research Paper EBONICS Ebonics, also known as Black English, is a nonstandard dialect spoken in many homes in the inner cities of America. This nonstandard language is often looked upon as low-class or lazy talk. This is not the case, however. Due to consistencies found in the dialect, there seems to be an order.
Ebonics Essay Research Paper EbonicsWhat is Ebonics
Ebonics Essay, Research Paper Ebonics What is Ebonics? Is it a language or not? Should it be used as a tool to teach Ebonic speaking students “standard” English or not? These issues recently came under fire when an Oakland, California school board unanimously voted that Ebonics, which is also referred to as black English, is a language with clearly evident African American roots.
Ebonics 2 Essay Research Paper EbonicsThe other
Ebonics 2 Essay, Research Paper Ebonics The other day I was talking on the subject of Ebonics. I feel Ebonics should be a language. I mean black adolescents that are seen as stupid and non-educated mostly use it. The talk compelled me to do some extensive studying on the subject.
Black Boy Paper Essay Research Paper Black
Black Boy Paper Essay, Research Paper Black Boy Paper When put into a foreign environment animal s adept, so do humans when they need to learn they ways of life. Richard Wright, due to his surroundings, had to adapt and become independent early in his life. In the book, Black Boy, Richard shows how he progressively became independent in his writings.
Black Holes 4 Essay Research Paper Black
Black Holes 4 Essay, Research Paper Black Holes area region of space-time, which nothing can escape, even light. It is impossible to see a black hole directly because no light can escape from them; they are black. But there are good reasons to think they exist.
Ebonics Essay Research Paper Ebonics Ebonics which
Ebonics Essay, Research Paper Ebonics Ebonics, which stands for Ebony + Phonics is a new term that Linguistics use to describe Black Dialect or Black English or many of the other names that it has been given for more that 350 years.. has been in the news recently but it is definitely not a new topic.
The Black Hole Essay Research Paper The
The Black Hole Essay, Research Paper The Black Hole In order to understand what exactly a black hole is, we must first take a look at the basis for the cause of a black hole. All black holes are formed from the gravitational collapse of a star, usually having a massive core. A star is created when huge gas clouds come together due to attractive forces and form a hot core, combined from all the energy of the two gas clouds.
EBONICS Essay Research Paper FOR AGES AFRICAN
EBONICS Essay, Research Paper FOR AGES AFRICAN AMERICANS HAVE BEE MANIPULATING THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE, WHICH APPEARS TO BE ACCEPTED BOTH THROUGH LITERATURE AND VERBAL SPEAKING. IN THE 21ST CENTURY THE EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM IS FACED WITH A TASK OF REFORMING A LANGUAGE SUPPOSIDLY CALL “BLACK ENGLISH” OR “EBONY PHONICS,” DEPICTING WHAT IS WIDELY KNOWN AS EBONICS.
Ebonics Essay Research Paper Ebonics is the
Ebonics Essay, Research Paper Ebonics is the name given to what linguists refer to as Black English or African American Vernacular English1. Black English has been around since the time of slavery and the slave trade in the United States. It is a mixture of West African languages and English which has been passed down from generation to generation of African Americans.
Summary And Responce To
“Black English” Essay, Research Paper Summary and Response Word Count 366 Summary In the essay titled, ?If Black English Isn?t a Language, Then Tell Me, What Is??
Perspective Of Black English Essay Research Paper
Black English Conclusions To the majority of the people we gave this survey to, a lot of them said it sounded like jibberish, but that at certain points it was understandable. They explained that the speaker talks fast, but for the most part are able to catch on to what they are saying. They didn t think that Ebonics should be accepted in today s society to the point that our leaders would be using it when making a speech to the nation.
Baseball Essay Research Paper Robinson Jackiefirst black
Baseball Essay, Research Paper Robinson, Jackie first black baseball player in the U.S. major leagues during the 20th century, an infielder and outfielder for the Brooklyn Dodgers of the National League from 1947 through 1956.
Color Of Water Essay Research Paper One
Color Of Water Essay, Research Paper One aspect of identity where feedback can be given almost instantaneously is race, as it involves a person’s skin color. Young children often ignore each others’ races unless they
The Rights And Wrongs Of Black English
Essay, Research Paper The Rights & Wrongs Of Black English What is Black English? Is it a dialect or is it a lazy form of speaking Standard English? The fact is that no matter what we think of Black English, it is spoken by millions of African American children. Until just recently there were no studies done on Black English.