If Black English Isnt a Language, Then Tell Me, What Is by James Baldwin - Essay Example

James Baldwin: “It Black English Isn’t a Language, Then Tell Me What Is What roadblocks to understanding did you encounter while reading this text. Baldwin’s essay is not very easy to understand on first reading. It deals with a complex subject: language and identity. One of the biggest roadblocks I encountered was to understand the meaning of several phrases in Black English, and other phrases, such as the ‘Beat Generation,’ and ‘Congo Square,’ used in the essay. 2. What strategies did you use to understand the text?

The main strategy I used to understand the text is repeated reading, a paragraph at a time. This helped me to understand the essay. I then went on to find the meaning of the phrases I was not familiar with. This made it much easier to understand Baldwin’s point of view. For example, reading about Congo Square, made me aware of Black American history, and Baldwin’s own identity. 3. What, if any, comprehension problems did you solve?My biggest comprehension problem was Baldwin’s comments on the language used in England.

It took several readings to understand that one’s social background and education are reflected in the way one speaks English, and one’s language determines one’s chances of advancement in life. 4. What, if any, problems still remain?The essay is now clear to me. 5. Overall, what do you believe James Baldwin is trying to say in this article? In his essay, James Baldwin defends the unique form of Black English. He sees it as a mark of identity, and is proud of its difference from mainstream English.

He traces the origins of Black English to the despicable tradition of slavery, and states that the language evolved from the need for self-protection, and a common means of communication. He argues that Black English reflects the reality of the Black American experience. Baldwin holds that Black English is a language, not a dialect, and defends its use by Black children in schools. He is scathing in his criticism of those Americans who despise it, and accuses them of racism. Works Cited.Baldwin, James.

“If Black English Isn’t a Language, Then Tell Me What Is.”