Chapter 1 Learnings in African American Language

From reading the text, Smitherman describes the historical perspective of African American language from a historical context. The first element that I learned was related to how pervasive the history of slavery was on the overall development of African American language. Here, the inability to properly educate themselves had profound influence on the manner in which language developed within the community. In certain instances, certain words have a direct correlation to slavery and therefore have cultural meaning within the African American community. The next element I learned was related to over need to have a distinct language separate for those looking to oppress African Americans. Here, the need for cultural identity and expression is represented within the overall development of the language within the African American community. This often creates a sense of pride, ownership and community among African Americans. Finally, I learned that languages and its overall acceptance is distinct and unique. Different dialects work in different communities. It is common for African American dialect to be denigrated as it is seen as “inferior” much in the same manner as slaves where. However, this is the wrong perspective as it language in the African American community is often endearing towards on another and therefore acceptable (Smitherman, ).