Black English
There are hundreds of different languages around the world today, one of them being Black English. According to the Encarta dictionary, language is the principal means used by human beings to communicate with one another. Language is primarily spoken, although it can be transferred to other media, such as writing. The question still lies, is Black English a language? I believe that any form of communication is language. Whether it be talking, face expressions, or hand movements, it is all language. Another term commonly used for Black English is Ebonics. Ebonics is the language of the descendants of enslaved Africans in America (Curriculum Review). Ebonics has been around since the 1970's. Slaves were denied access to educational institutions for 200 years, so Africans in America did not have bilingual education or the opportunity to learn English as a second language. Africans were forced to pick up English vocabulary, often on penalty of death, and they went allowed to speak in their own language and were separated on the basis of ethnicity on the auction block. All of this historical acts worked to diminish the use of the African language and force Africans to pick up English vocabulary
Oakland school officials are shocked by the public outcry following their decision to treat Black English as a second language in classrooms. But the outcry is loud and angry (Reed). It can also put a barrier between comprehending the material being taught. James Baldwin emphasizes that white Americans would not sound the same without the influence of Black English. It can be a language barrier between the student and the teacher. Black English is being brought into the elementary schools and is recognized as a language. There are however some problems that are faced with Black English as a language. Its not just about English, she says. Mitchell, a student in Oakland schools says, "I think it is insulting. Fifty-three percent of the OUSD students are African American. Concern has been raised in recent times over the role and implications of this language in trying to educate inner-city African American children who speak in the language of slang. Black English has played an important role in distinguishing the African American culture. The former administrator is one of more than a hundred Oakland teachers already developing and using a Black English curriculum. There are poems written by Langston Hughes, and essays written by James Baldwin and rap music by Ice Tea.
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