The Formation of Black English and Its Influences on American Culture
1. Introduction
African American Vernacular English (AAVE) is one special dialect of American English, and it is different from Standard American English. African American Vernacular English can also be called as Black English, Black Vernacular English or African American Language (AAL).Black English had been discriminated for a long time in history. There was a saying that “Black English is not a language”. The saying is not correct. According to Montgomery, culture should not be biased, but should be including all that are produced and shared by the society( Montgomery 7). Even though Black English is different from Standard English, Black English has its unique linguistic system. It has its own system in phonetics, lexicology and grammar.
Black English is the most widely spread minority group language variant in American English. With the improvement of Black American cultural and social position, Black English affects American culture in a lot of aspects. Actually, Black English comes from Black Americans but now greatly influences the whole American society. In view of this, the paper starts to explore the formation, characteristics and cultural influence. The study method of this paper is not only from the linguistic view on Black English, but also from its formation, characteristics and influence.
2. Formation of Black English
The language spoken by Black American had different names in different periods. The English spoken by Black American was named as Negro Pidgin, Negro Creole, Negro Dialect, Negro English, Non-Standard Negro English, Black English Vernacular, Afro-American English and Black English. Actually, changes of the names went with the social statue changes of Black Americans.
2.1 Black Pidgin
The first group of African slaves arrived at American in 1619. The black slaves mainly came from western Africa, Congo and Angola. They were caught by western slave dealer and shipped to North America. When the black slaves arrived at America,
African American Vernacular English (AAVE) is one special dialect of American English, and it is different from Standard American English. African American Vernacular English can also be called as Black English, Black Vernacular English or African American Language (AAL).Black English had been discriminated for a long time in history. There was a saying that “Black English is not a language”. The saying is not correct. According to Montgomery, culture should not be biased, but should be including all that are produced and shared by the society( Montgomery 7). Even though Black English is different from Standard English, Black English has its unique linguistic system. It has its own system in phonetics, lexicology and grammar.
Black English is the most widely spread minority group language variant in American English. With the improvement of Black American cultural and social position, Black English affects American culture in a lot of aspects. Actually, Black English comes from Black Americans but now greatly influences the whole American society. In view of this, the paper starts to explore the formation, characteristics and cultural influence. The study method of this paper is not only from the linguistic view on Black English, but also from its formation, characteristics and influence.
2. Formation of Black English
The language spoken by Black American had different names in different periods. The English spoken by Black American was named as Negro Pidgin, Negro Creole, Negro Dialect, Negro English, Non-Standard Negro English, Black English Vernacular, Afro-American English and Black English. Actually, changes of the names went with the social statue changes of Black Americans.
2.1 Black Pidgin
The first group of African slaves arrived at American in 1619. The black slaves mainly came from western Africa, Congo and Angola. They were caught by western slave dealer and shipped to North America. When the black slaves arrived at America,