Black English
There are hundreds of different languages around the world today, one of them being Black English. According to the Encarta dictionary, language is the principal means used by human beings to communicate with one another. Language is primarily spoken, although it can be transferred to other media, such as writing. The question still lies, is Black English a language? I believe that any form of communication is language. Whether it be talking, face expressions, or hand movements, it is all language. Another term commonly used for Black English is Ebonics. Ebonics is the language of the descendants of enslaved Africans in America (Curriculum Review). Ebonics has been around since the 1970's. Slaves were denied access to educational institutions for 200 years, so Africans in America did not have bilingual education or the opportunity to learn English as a second language. Africans were forced to pick up English vocabulary, often on penalty of death, and they went allowed to speak in their own language and were separated on the basis of ethnicity on the auction block. All of this historical acts worked to diminish the use of the African language and force Africans to pick up English vocabulary
Black English is not only a language, but also part of a heritage and cultural autaomy of the African American community. Black English is also spoken by 80 percent of African Americans. I found a song that clearly displays Black English as an example. The song is Swing low, Sweet Chariot. Here are some of the words in the song. Swing low, sweet chariot, Comin' for to carry me home! I looked over Jordan and what did I see, Comin' for to carry me home! A band of angels comin' after me, Comin' for to carry me home! This is a good example of how Black English is used. Black English has played an important role in distinguishing the African American culture. There are poems written by Langston Hughes, and essays written by James Baldwin and rap music by Ice Tea. I think Black English has a great influence on other cultures worldwide. I agree with James Baldwin's essay, If Black English Isn't a Language, Then Tell Me, What Is? James makes some strong points in his essay and proves to us that Black English is a language of it's own. The slaves were forced to come up with a way to communicate to one another and to their master, and what came out of it was Black English. Black English is being brought into t
Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 832
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)
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