Tasks: African American English and Chicano English

Reflect and talk:

The linguistic terminology presented below is all relevant when talking about our use of language. Read quickly through the definitions before you move on to the questions.

Discuss in small groups and analyse your own native language. Try to find examples of these (or similar) linguistic features in your everyday speech. Ask yourself:

1. Do you add or leave out words or in any other way modify standard Norwegian grammar in your everyday speech?

2. Do you have a specific way of communicating in certain groups, for example with your family or with your friends?

3. Do you have any language habits that are unique to you?

4. One example of a Norwegian ethnolect is Vollanorsk. What characterises this ethnolect? Do you know of other ethnolects? Do you use an ethnolect yourself?

5. How would you describe your vernacular? Is it easy to hear where you are from? Do you know of any groups in society (professions, age groups, social groups, ...) with a distinct vernacular that sets this group apart from others?

Discuss:

AAE and ChE are two varieties of American English that have often been labelled 'incorrect, lazy English' with 'bad grammar', and the prestige they carry in mainstream society is quite low. However, they are often the preferred languages for many people belonging to these ethnic groups, and very often the first language that children in these communities learn.

In your opinion:

1. Is it right to say that one variant or dialect of a language is more correct than another? Is it right to say that AAE and ChE are 'wrong'? Give reasons for your answer.

2. To what extent can a language be a barrier to your future success? To what extent can a language give you access to new opportunities in life? Can a language both include and exclude people? How?

3. Why is it important for people who normally speak AAE and ChE to be able to code switch?

4. Why do you think ethnolects like AAE and ChE often carry low prestige and status in main stream society? Do you know of other ethnolects, dialects, or accents from other countries that are often frowned upon?

5. Can languages (like AAE and ChE) be carriers of identity? Explain.

Vocabulary 1:

The following words and expressions all originate from AAE. Go through the list and write down a definition of the expressions you know. You will find the key below.

Vocabulary 2:

Many words have been adopted from Spanish into Standard English and are today common words used in everyday language. Match the following English words with the Spanish word from which they derived.

Research

Work in groups. Each group chooses one of the American ethnolects from the list below and tries to find more information about this variant of English.

Look for information about:

• the geographical area where this variant is used and the number of people who speak it

• the historical background and development of the variant

• characteristic pronunciation and vocabulary

• characteristic grammatical features

• examples of how this variant is used in popular culture

• examples of famous people using this variant

• its status in society

• actual audio-/-video examples of the variant

You may not find information that covers all these points, but try to find as much information as you can.

Present your findings for the rest of the class.

Write:

Choose one of the tasks and write a longer text

1. Write a reflective essay exploring how language can both limit and create opportunities. Discuss how it can act as a barrier or open doors, and how it can include or exclude people. Use examples from your experience, observations, or literature to support your points.

2. Write a reflective essay exploring the relationship between code‑switching and identity. In your response, discuss what code‑switching is, why individuals may engage in it, and how shifting between languages, dialects, or cultural behaviors can shape or reveal aspects of a person’s identity. Draw on personal experiences or other examples to illustrate your points.

3. Imagine that you are African-American or Chicano living in a white community where everyone communicates using Standard English. You are new to this community and speak both AAE -/- ChE and Standard English fluently, and you are shocked to see how differently people treat you depending on the language you speak.
   Write a personal text where you describe your experiences when using AAE -/- ChE and when using Standard English. Your text should include reflections related to the ability to code switch.