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Hrsanei Posted 15 years ago
Linguistics Studies

Black English

Hi.

I am going to ask a question about black English.

I was talking to my American friend, then I brought up the subject if he could speak Black English. He told me that my question sounded racist. He told me that it is not polite to ask someone if he could speak black English.

I was so shocked to hear that, I don't know if he was too cautious about the issue or I was wrong .

My impression is that, black English is a way of speaking English and by no means intends to offend anyone.

I would be grateful if you could let me know your opinion about this matter.

Regards
  

Top answer

Hi, I would say that it is a topic that can be discussed in a non-racist way or in a racist way. Here are a few links, incase you need some basic information about the topic.. org/wiki/Ebonics Clive

— Clive

  • Hi, I would say that it is a topic that can be discussed in a non-racist way or in a racist way.
  • Here are a few links, incase you need some basic information about the topic..
  • org/wiki/Ebonics Clive
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14 Answers
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Hi,

I would say that it is a topic that can be discussed in a non-racist way or in a racist way.

Here are a few links, incase you need some basic information about the topic..

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The issue of race is still a sensitive one in American society. There is a long history of social conflict from the founding of the country, a long and ****** civil war, reconstruction and its repercussions, and the civil rights movement in the 1960s.

Although discrimination is illegal now, class distinction along racial lines is still is very obvious. Just look at any of the economic mea
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I've heard ebonics which is not racial. even black people use it...
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AlpheccaStarsThere was a big politicial controversy in the 1990s when it (named "Ebonics") was proposed to be recognized in schools in California.
And what a circus that was. A perfect example of the hysterics of completely uninformed people with strong opinions based on their colossal ignorance. Unfortunately, all too common among us **** not-so-sapiens
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[/quote]
I wouldn't ask anyone if he spoke (could speak) AAVE unless he was a good friend ....

CJ[/quote]

Thank you Jim for your response.

Is it that much controversial, that we cannot ask other people about it.

What about ebonics or American African that were suggested?

Is it alright to ask someone if he could speak ebonics?
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Thank you very much AlpheccaStars.

Your explanation was helpful and complete.

So I was wrong about asking such a question.

I honesly enjoy the way they speak and sometimes I try to speak that way myself. I don't know how I should express it to be polite and not offend anyone.

Thank you
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hrsaneiWhat about ebonics or American African that were suggested?
No.

hrsaneiIs it alright to ask someone if he could speak ebonics?
No, but this has nothing to do with any social norms. The way I have always understood it, Ebonics is a teaching method, not a language. For this reason it makes no sense to
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hrsaneiI honesly enjoy the way they speak and sometimes I try to speak that way myself.
The novelty will wear off eventually.

hrsaneiI don't know how I should express it to be polite and not offend anyone.
You need to face the fact that some things in life are just impossible. You may as well try to find a way of
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Thank you very much Jim for your explanation and help.

Cheers
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CalifJim
hrsaneiWhat about ebonics or American African that were suggested?
No.
hrsaneiIs it alright to ask someone if he could speak ebonics?
No, but this has nothing to do with any social norms. The way I have always understood it, Ebonics is a teaching method, not a language. For this reason
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