Second question; Why do so many white people under the age of 25 insult the English language with ebonics?
I didn't say ALL, I said SO MANY. Just to clarify.
2006-06-14 08:13:14 · 11 answers · asked by carolinagrl 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
FYI, I have NEVER used the word "ain't", with the exception of explaining that it is not a word, or at least it wasn't in the past!
2006-06-14 08:23:50 · update #1
I have a personal example of which I can refer. I was a teenager in high school and I had a friend who was very smart. She was a very thoughtful and genuine person interested in others and their well-being. At home, her people were very nice and thoughtful as well. This girl was like two people, she spoke in the fashion in which they spoke. This was so that they would feel comfortable around her. At school, her diction was simply brilliant. I think that she respected her parents and siblings to the extent that she didn't want to hurt them. Thus, she spoke in the manner in which they spoke. My feeling about the manner in which most of the people that I personally know speak, is that they speak that way because of comfort or concern for others that don't speak as well. Of course, we can't leave out those who want to be show-offs for the heck of it. White or Black, I see similarities in the way people show concern in speech when communicating with each other. Peace and God Bless.
2006-06-14 08:24:52 · answer #1 · answered by In God We Trust 7 · 6⤊ 0⤋
Why do some Whites choose to articulate the English language, while others speak redneck dialects...?
Blacks are not the only ones who seem incapable of speaking the English language properly. Those who speak exaggerated dialects and who are generally ignorant of standard English do so for the following reasons:
1. It's their dialect. That's what they were raised doing.
2. It helps them identify people who think the same way they do.
3. They perceive standard English as elitist or overly prescriptive.
4. They received poor educations.
5. They were not encouraged to read as children.
6. Proper speech is not a priority for them.
7. They are trying to emulate a certain culture (e.g. hip-hop culture).
8. They have not been exposed to other cultures or regions that would have helped them realize that the dialect they speak is not universal.
Most of them don't intentionally speak "ebonics" to mess with your head. They just do it out of habit.
2006-06-14 16:21:26 · answer #2 · answered by magistra_linguae 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Those that articulate the English language are uppity house slaves that believe that everything white is right. Some one said there is no such thing as ebonics...that's true. Slang/Jargon is not a lanuage...and if you think a dialect is a language then...I feel sorry for you.
So white people insult the english language when they speak like black people? Hmmm... Maybe the understand the oppressive behavoir of closed minded conserative and open their minds and extend there creativty to express them selves with language. Same for blacks who don't "choose to articulate" the English language.
2006-06-14 08:30:17 · answer #3 · answered by so_ugly01 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For the same reason so many americans butcher the english language no matter what their race is. How many times have you used the word "ain't". The english language is organic and is always changing. IF YOU WANT TO STOP THIS PROCESS GO LIVE IN FRANCE.
2006-06-14 08:18:16 · answer #4 · answered by corvuequis 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I speak in correct english and am black i went to private school for twelve yrs so i was never around my own race because they could not afford that education to learn to conjugate verbs and exercise perfect grammatical structure but r u a racist or something because not just blacks butcher the english language everyone has their own vernaculars and slang.
2006-06-14 08:36:13 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My speculation-- it's about expressing identity.
Blacks use a dialect to express their racial identity. (or lack of interest in education). Sometimes, it's what they hear at home- that's how their parents and other family members speak, so that's what they've learned.
I personally wonder....
British Blacks speak "Queen's English"
British Whites speak "Queen's English"
American Blacks speak Ebonics
American Whites speak American English
why??!?
I think that kids use the dialect for the same reason they do a lot of things-because it's different, to see a reaction, because it's "cool"...
2006-06-14 08:26:12 · answer #6 · answered by Yoda's Duck 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are not asking a question, you know it, you are just expressing an opinion, every person black or white have the right to speak any dialect they feel comfortable with, the most important thing is that they are communicatig with and are not rude to each other.
2006-06-16 01:21:06 · answer #7 · answered by zaki1968 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe its where they live. Probably when you talk you say a slang word or to. It is Television, Radio, Media you repeat what you hear, and just because it doesn't suit you. Its a way of life for others.
2006-06-14 08:22:19 · answer #8 · answered by an_angel_dies 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
for one there is no such thing as Ebonics. that's just something an idoit made up when they couldn't understand what others were saying. and people of all races speak slang.
2006-06-14 08:17:49 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Freedom of choice.
2006-06-14 08:17:02 · answer #10 · answered by J P 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋