Whats Black, Then White, and Said All Over - Assignment Example

Savan means that in creating these words, the African American people paid a price that many people do not recognize today. According to Savan, most of the Black English spoken today came about during the period of slavery where most African Americans were slaves to the whites. They used these words when speaking to themselves before their “Massa” so that he did not understand what they were talking about.

These words were simply used by the blacks to communicate without angering their masters. The use of these words today is associated with marketing and commercials where whites are using them for their benefit, with total disregard for the origin of these words. According to Sava, consumer media is exploiting black language for fame and profits. Therefore, paying the dues means appreciating the origin of these words, and the struggle the African Americans underwent in making these terms.
Discussion Question: Has black language strengthened the relations between African Americans and whites? Why or why not?

Response 2: Leave Your Name at the Border
In the text by Manuel Muñoz, the term ‘Anglicize’ is used to mean changing something from a certain language and making it sound or look ‘English.’ It refers to taking something from a different language and creating an English equivalent. This usually applies to names. In this text, for instance, Muñoz says that the Anglicized pronunciation of the Mexican gate agent would not be unusual in California. This means that since California is in America where English is the first language, Anglicized pronunciations are usual because they sound English. In his essay, Muñoz uses the term Anglicize to refer to the changing of Spanish names into their English equivalents to fit into American society.

Therefore, Anglicization is a strategy many people use to feel included in society. It is simply changing names to fit into society to enjoy the privileges and opportunities offered by that society. From my personal experience, I have interacted with several friends from other countries who have changed their names to fit into this society. For instance, a friend whose original name was Alejandro now uses Alexander and his original name is almost forgotten. Most of his documents now bare the Anglicized version of his name.
Discussion Question: What are some of the benefits and risks associated with Anglicization? Read More