Ebonics

9 Pages 2186 Words

Ebonics

The English language is highly complex and ever-changing. Over the years, certain groups of Americans may develop a particular way of expressing themselves in English. For example, African Americans have created their own dialect called Ebonics. Ebonics has been evolving ever since the age of slavery when African Americans were first introduced into America. This vernacular has developed so much that some people argue that it is a language all in itself. Others say it is just a version of English slang. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, slang is defined as “the special vocabulary used by any set of persons of a low or disreputable character; language of a low and vulgar type; […] the cant or jargon of a certain class or period” (“Slang”). Many individuals would say that this definition qualifies as Ebonics. However, language is defined as “the words, their pronunciation, and the methods of combining them used and understood by a considerable community and established by long usage” (“Language”). This can be considered a definition of Ebonics as well. One cannot determine what Ebonics is simply based on these definitions, though. In fact, debates have taken place all over America trying to determine if Ebonics should be considered a language or not. Ebonics has also created many problems for young students in the classroom. Ebonics is considered incorrect English, and as a result black students are penalized for using it. Society has a wide range of opinions about the changes Ebonics is creating in America. There are many questions and concerns pertaining to Ebonics: What is it exactly? What effect does it have on teachers and students in the classroom? How is it treated in society?
Ebonics is one of the few dialects that is extremely difficult to classify. No other vernacular in the U.S. has attracted so much attention. “[Ebonics] is clearly the most heavily investigated varie...