Enonics in America
Ebonics is the name given to what linguists refer to as BE (Black English) or African American Vernacular English1. Black English has been around since the time of slavery and the slave trade in the United States. It is a mixture of West African languages (such as Ibo, Yoruba, and Hausa) and English which has been passed down from generation to generation of African Americans . The use of ebonics has revitalized in popularity among many African American students in California schools. This has brought on a heated debate over the teaching use of ebonics in our school system. On December 18, 1996 the Oakland Unified School District Board of Education approved a policy affirming "Standard American English language development " for all students. Language development for African American students, who comprise 53% of the students in the Oakland schools, "will be enhanced with the recognition and understanding of the language structures unique to African American students,2". The O!akland School District's implementation of this policy created a plethora of criticism and support from many. In response to Oakland's Ebonics policy, California State Senator Ray Haynes of Riverside introduced a bill that would penalize schools that suppo
"Black English: Its History and Its Role in the Education of Our Children. If SB 205 passes, no district or agency could receive money for such a program. 4" These statements can be summarized by stating that the ebonics program puts African-American students at a disadvanta!ge. We must value our !education in our society as top priority and stop relying on the government to produce incentives for us to learn. It will punish school districts that try to go beyond the control of the state. Oakland has raised an issue which seems outrageous and impractical to many. California legislation has a great impact on the people of California as well as the rest of the United States. The use of a system of education that can incorporate! language used at home will benefit a student by helping them achieve a proficient stage of standard English.
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Acceptance Essays
