In Zora Neale Hurston's The Gilded Six-Bits, there is a specific portion of the work in which the speaker makes use of the African American English language. This section includes several independent pieces of language that can be broken down to demonstrate AAE. Several solid examples of the structure of the language of African American English can be located within this work from Hurston.
This particular passage can also be used to demonstrate the use of code switching, and can help to explain that code switching can appear in many different mediums including literature, film, radio and other popular culture elements. When considering African American English as a language or dialect, it is crucial to understand that whether it can be classified as either one, or both, it can be found in countless modern day examples that must be taken into consideration.
One thing that is often discussed when regarding AAE in the classroom are the pros and cons of code switching. In regards to school settings, there are both positive and negative effects that it plays on students in their academic careers. The belief is that if students can consider the way language evolves over time, as well as feel acceptance regardless of their diversity, they will be more empowered not only academically but spiritually as well.
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| This direct quote from Zora Neale Hurston indicates her sense of pride regarding being an author who uses African American English in her works. |
In regards to education, it is important to consider not only the way educators can play a role in the acceptance of African American English, but for other school professionals to be sure they are also recognizing this language as well. By providing a set of guidelines for educators and school counseling professionals to follow, AAE speakers will have a higher chance of achieving academic success. The research that has been conducted and included in this article allows for individuals to see the benefits of incorporating the strategies into modern day classrooms to promote student success.
There are also meaningful references to African American English within the entertainment industry. AAE is relevant in present-day films, literature, and other arts. While there are unfortunately many misconceptions that African American English as a language faces, and it is often portrayed negatively in modern day examples, it is still undoubtedly present and should be introduced in the classroom in order to educate students on its history and origin.
While there are many arguments that claim African American English should be deemed as “broken” English, and many individuals do not consider AAE a “real” language, overall, the discussion of how AAE still exists in the present day helps to support an argument focusing on how it should be integrated into different societies, cultures and classrooms. AAE is continuing to appear in various outlets and should be accepted and celebrated.
Miranda,
ReplyDeleteYou’ve done really great work here constructing some pieces of an argument for why AAE should have a role in the classroom. In my post, I also recognized the negative perceptions that often surround AAE, so it was nice to see that point reaffirmed here. I also think the image you chose was effective at showing how AAE (and language in general) is a part of a speaker’s identity, furthering the reason why AAE should have a place in the classroom.
I would suggest maybe defining code switching a little further to make sure that all readers understand what it means in the context of your piece. It is such an important term to what you are discussing, so even a brief definition could clarify its significance. I also think it always helps to include some quotes or specific examples from the literature to really support your claims.
I really enjoyed reading your post! Thank you for sharing your research.
Miranda,
ReplyDeleteI loved reading your post and you made a lot of valid points! I wrote my post on AAE being used in the classroom to help students who speak it with excelling in the classroom. I also used articles that talk about ways educators can help children have a higher success rate, but it was interesting to see the take on school guidance counselors being able to help as well! The part where you spoke on students feeling empowered by their dialect shows just how powerful of a role educators can play in a child's life.
Thanks for your research!