Black English Summary - Essay Example

Notably, English is more of a language than a dialect, as stated by the author of If Black English Isn’t a Language, Then Tell Me What Is? The first step taken by Baldwin was to demonstrate the differences between a language and a dialect. James aimed to apply the use of various illustrations and explain the confusion people make with regards to the label “language” and “dialect.” This was the first step taken by Baldwin. The second step involved the use of some logic statements to support his thesis.

Baldwin adds that depending on the way a person uses words, their language can reveal a speaker’s identity. This information may include details about one’s parents, youth, education, salary, self-worth, and a prediction of their future. According to James, language is a vital political tool that symbolizes the proof of power. Similarly, it serves as a way of association or disassociation between people and communities. Many people can comprehend the broadness of English, as opposed to other English speakers.

For instance, when an author wants to support his argument, he or she can apply the use of different examples, including the French language alteration in Paris, Guadeloupe, Quebec, Marseilles, Senegal, or Martinique which can result to challenges incomprehension. James also alludes to language such as Basque, Welsh, and Provencal, which are often confused as dialect instead of the language they are. As one of his hypotheses, James believes that Black people profoundly influenced the English spoken in the United States by the White people.

For instance, specific statements and utterances such as baby, jazz me, and sock it to me would never have existed had it not been for Black people’s influence. James also creates a relation between America’s history, including the enslavement of Black people to the present Skirmish. He also adds that Black English is a result of black displacement. Therefore, Black language is a melting pot that utilized the use of ancient communication components to generate a new language. Thus, the black style is not as a result of the adoption of a foreign language.

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