Is it OK to know the rules, but choose not to follow them?

Question

the question came to mind because someone asked if a persons speaks "ebonics" does that indicate a lack of education. I few people responded that people talk that way because they "do not know how to use 'proper' english."

I don't think this is the case. I certainly know how to use standard english grammar. But does that mean that I have to?

However, my question does not just pertain to language.

Answer 1

Not really, for what rules are your transgressing?

Is it OK not to vaccinate your kid?
Is it OK to beat your wife?
Is it OK to rob and steal?

If you want to talk "slanguage", you can, but that means you may end up in a dead-end job because no one wants to hire you to represent the company

Answer 2

To a degree. Why is this you ask? There are a lot of people that use ebonics and there are a lot who don't but they use whatever terms are used in their area. I don't think it means that the person is not educated (even though most ebonic terms and accents like Southern accents started from people with no education), it is just something that has been passed along for a long time that people still feel comfortable using because it is a more relaxed form of communication. I see nothing wrong with speaking ebonic at home or with friends. The only problem I have seen with that is that some people use ebonics so much to the point that they forget how the words were supposed to be in correct English. Anything you don't use over time can be forgotten.

Answer 3

I am a law-abiding citizen, but do I believe that ALL rules should be followed? No.

Much like some of my enslaved ancestors were disobedient as they escaped or attempted to escape slavery. Yes, it was against the rules and laws to escape their misery, but they had every "right" and reason to do so. Likewise, they spoke and sung about escape plans, much like African American or black Americans speak today, with codes.

It is undebatable that some speakers of Ebonics lack "proper" usage of Standard American English. However, individuals that are biligual and/or bidialectal may have an even greater command of languages.

I can transition from African American vernacular to Standard (or White) American vernacular with ease. I mention "white," because what is considered "proper" or "standard" has always been set or established by the majority, or in the case of the Unied States, by the Caucasians.

Nevertheless, I reiterate that I consider myself and my people very intelligent. As a child, I detested Ebonics and lacked respect for my own culture as I internalized the poison of the mainstream media. However, I now am a proud multicultural and multiracial black or African American that speaks Ebonics, Standard English, Mexican Spanish, and Standard Spanish.

In addition, if a monolingual, monodialectal American cannot understand what I am saying, it is not intended for him or her to understand.

Answer 4

The rules as defined by popular mainstream culture? Hey brother when you get a chance. Check out this website. It talks about these types of things. Everytime a white person says something is wrong, or frowned upon does not mean that it is right or wrong. We have to stop letting others shape our thoughts. I think outside of the box. I am always open to listen and be diplomatic about all things. I answered the question about how I felt about it on the ebonics question.

Answer 5

Your initial question does not fit your actual question.

The original function of Ebonics EDUCATION was for teachers to get credit for learning how to communicate with inner city children (some of which were unable/unwilling to use proper English).

Unfortunately the uneducated public got involved. Instead of teachers getting credit for their extra work, or children getting some other support to encourage them to get a proper education, instead they just canceled the program because it might allow some children to get education in a non-English language.

This is the same knee-jerk public response that made it illegal to teach 2nd languages to children (unless you are in private school) because they were worried about ESL students having an unfair advantage.

Answer 6

Ebonics is a dialect of English. If you grew up around people speaking it, then it becomes natural to you. When whatever you think in your mind flows in this dialect in your head, it's just a natural dialect to you, because that's what you grew up speaking.

Most people who live in other countries in areas where there are various dialects of the same language, speak a certain way around their family and close friends, and then speak the standard universal form of the language to people they don't know very well, or in school, or to teachers or bosses, etc. They know the standard version of this language from being in the area and having to deal with other people in their society outside of family and friends, and know when to use it and when they don't have to use it. It's the same here with Ebonics.

When you are in a situation where you are comfortable enough to speak freely and openly as things come into your mind, or either, you are highly emotionally charged in one way or another (could be anger, could be sex, etc...) often times the first things out of your mouth are going to be in your mother language.

Example: You are with your friends and family; or, you are extremely upset. (I've seen this before with this Jamaican guy I knew, you never knew he was Jamaican until he got mad, and then all those accents just naturally came rolling out of his mouth...)

You can choose to not follow the "rules" of standard American English if you want to; Just know that not all other Americans may understand what you are saying, and it may limit a few of your opportunities due to this.

Answer 7

Is the question more along the lines of, "Is it okay to not follow the rules," or "Is it okay to know the rules even if you don't follow them"?

I'll answer assuming the question pertains to both....

What rules? Societal/cultural norms or unjust laws? Well, as far as unjust laws are concerned, I'll just say ditto to what I posted in response to your previous question. As far as societal/cultural norms are concerned- It's definitely okay to not abide by societal/cultural norms. To abide by societal/cultural norms is to conform. And, unless abiding by societal/cultural norms is truly what one wants as an individual who is acting solely upon his/her own desires , to conform is to lack individuality and to not be loyal to one's self.

That being said, it's not just okay to know the rules even though they are not being followed.... It's also advisable. I'm sure that I don't need to stress the importance of knowing the law, so I'll skip that part. Concerning societal/cultural norms: Well, take language for example since you mentioned it...
It's imperative that we know how to communicate via the widely accepted language/dialect of the society that we live in or of the culture within which we wish to speak with people. Just imagine the ramifications that saying the wrong thing can cause. We must know the rules in order to be aware of any possible consequences.

Answer 8

in certain places you speak proper english
but when you are comfy around ppl you love and feel safe around...you can speak ebonics. ebonics is loose. proper english is uptight.
i was #2 of my class, and i speak ebonics every now and then. and i don't care what others say against it because i'm PROBABLY SMARTER THAN THEM ANYWAYS

Answer 9

Yeah....for instance, I know the speed limit when driving, but I still go 10-15mph over

....and this question really fits the theme of a question I asked yesterday that you might find interesting....
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Aju3dt3lN.Rd0rhw8TYG5znsy6IX?qid=20070605181249AAc8Zmx

.

Answer 10

I dont know any one who doesnt know how to speak properly.
They just do because they like to.
I dont think its a problem.
It depends on where you are and whos around.