Final exam response essay
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Nov 24, 2024
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Final Exam/Response Essay
Name
Instructor
June 10, 2023
In her speech “African-American English: From the Hood to the Amen Corner,” Geneva
Smitherman defines and identifies the social purposes of African American English.
African
American English is defined by other terms such as African American vernacular, Ebonics, and
black English. Smitherman describes some of the features of African American English and
traces its history. She manages to challenge the views about African American English and calls
for its recognition.
Geneva Smitherman wants to challenge the negative views on African American English or
Ebonics. African American English was viewed as a deficient and substandard language. This
language should have been respected and recognized. Smitherman argues that one of her
European American teachers criticized African American English (
Smitherman 1996
). She
explains that she had to keep quiet because of her dialect. Smitherman argues that African
American English has its syntax and grammar. It is a language that has been used by blacks for a
long period. Many people have; however, opposed African American English. Black students in
many US schools have been banned from using African American English.
African American English is a legitimate language because it was developed and used by a
particular group of people. African Americans used African American English to express their
unique customs and ideas within their culture (
Smitherman 1996
). They also used the language
to communicate their beliefs and values. African American language was the means by which
African American traditions, shared values, and culture were preserved and conveyed.
Smitherman provides an accurate definition of African American English. She contends that
African American English is a result of a mixture of English patterns and words with African
language patterns (
Smitherman 1996
). African Americans had to develop a unique language
mixing their native languages with the English language. A significant number of slaves came
from West Africa. Their native languages such as the Yoruba language did not contain some
pronunciations such as “th”. African Americans replaced “th” with “d” in the English language.
Those who interact with African Americans today can notice their “d” pronunciation in place of
‘th” pronunciation.
Smitherman states that African American English was developed out of enslavement. This is
true because African Americans came to the United States as slaves. African Americans had to
work in plantations owned by white slaveholders. Interactions between African Americans in the
plantations significantly contributed to the development of African American English
(
Smitherman 1996
). They had to resist poor treatment from slaveholders and use a distinct
language.
The argument that African American English was a solidary bond between enslaved African
Americans is true. African Americans had to develop their language for expression. They had to
use a language that was different from other languages. The use of African American English
enabled blacks to maintain their identity and sense of community (
Smitherman 1996
). African
Americans could express their identity through language.
African American English reflects the experiences of blacks. African Americans were
disregarded and marginalized. They faced racial discrimination. African Americans living in the
American South developed their dialect. The language was also used in the North after some
blacks migrated after the Civil War. Those who migrated to the North also took their speech
patterns. African Americans were able to retain their language and dialect because they were
isolated in the ghettos.
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After reading Smitherman’s speech, one realizes that African American English should be taken
seriously. Smitherman explains the features of African American English such as semantics,
verbal traditions, grammar, and pronunciation (
Smitherman 1996
). Some pronunciations have
been developed from African native languages.
I would recommend Smitherman’s speech to those who would want to learn about the origins
and history of African American English. By reading the speech, individuals can understand why
African Americans have their language and the purposes it served in the past.
REFERENCES
Smitherman, G. (1996).
African-American English: From the hood to the amen corner
.
University of Minnesota.