How does African American Vernacular (AAVE) effect AAVE speakers at the University?

Taylor, Jessica

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/1821

Description

Title

How does African American Vernacular (AAVE) effect AAVE speakers at the University?

Author(s)

Taylor, Jessica

Issue Date

2006-12-15

Keyword(s)

African American
Language
Identity
Dialect AAVE

Abstract

This project seeks to understand how African American Vernacular English (AAVE) effects the experiences of African American students who identify as AAVE speakers at the University. What are the opinions of African Americans who do not identify as AAVE speakers on AAVE and those who speak it? How is AAVE defined? Based on nine interviews and participant observation, this study reveals how AAVE speakers feel the need to code switch to Standard American English in certain settings to avoid being perceived as dumb or ignorant. Code switching happens quite automatically. Many participants in this study did not have a clear understanding of AAVE and conceptualized it as ghetto slang rather than as a distinct dialect.

Type of Resource

text

Permalink

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/1821

Owning Collections

Diversity on Campus/Equity and Access PRIMARY

This collection examines ways in which the U.S. university and the American college experience are affected by diversity, and difference. In particular, these student projects examine experiences of diversity on campus, including important contemporary social, cultural, and political debates on equity and access to university resources.