African American English

Abstract

The most researched variety of the American English language since the mid‐twentieth century, African American English is used by millions of people across the United States. Despite the common misconception often reified in popular culture that African American English is merely “slang” and spoken only by African Americans who are poor, under‐educated, and young, the language is a legitimate, grammatical, practical, and living form of communication. Just as African American English is a diverse language, so too is the study of its form, use, and value. This entry prioritizes content related to discussion of African American English's origins, prominent linguistic features, perceptions of the language and its speakers, and the ways many speakers of African American English are discriminated against. One challenge featured in the conclusion, for those who study or are interested in African American English, is the issue of the new questions that the field should be asking, and how the answers to those questions will impact the futures of those who continue to speak African American English.

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