Don't Judge My African American English

Summary

The transcript discusses the complex relationship between language, identity, and societal expectations. It explores how individuals, particularly African-Americans, often code-switch—using informal, grammatically incorrect speech with friends while adopting more standardized language in professional settings to avoid negative judgments. The speaker highlights how slang and informal speech can be a form of individuality and rebellion, yet societal pressures demand conformity to 'proper' English, especially in corporate environments. This creates a tension where individuals must navigate fitting in while expressing their cultural identity.

Takeaways

• 😀 People often adjust their speech depending on the environment they are in, using casual language with friends and more formal language in professional settings.
• 🤔 Slang and informal speech are seen as forms of individuality and expression, allowing people to communicate in ways unique to their community.
• 😎 In certain social contexts, using slang or informal terms helps to convey a sense of camaraderie and familiarity, like saying 'what's up' instead of 'hello'.
• 💼 In professional or formal environments, there is pressure to speak 'proper' English to be taken seriously or respected.
• 😬 There is a societal expectation that speaking grammatically correct English is a sign of intelligence and education.
• 🧐 Using slang or informal language in corporate settings can lead to negative judgments, such as being perceived as uneducated or a 'thug'.
• 😥 African Americans, in particular, may feel pressure to prove they are not 'lazy' or 'uneducated' by conforming to standard English speech norms.
• 🙄 Even within the African American community, people may face judgment based on how they speak, depending on the environment they were raised in.
• 😠 There is a twofold pressure: to fit into mainstream norms while also maintaining a sense of cultural individuality.
• 🌍 Language is one way that outsiders assess a person's background, education, and character, which can lead to biases and stereotypes.

Q & A

What is the speaker's view on using grammatically incorrect language in informal settings?

The speaker feels comfortable using grammatically incorrect language or slang in informal settings, like when they're with friends, because they know they will be understood and there is no pressure to speak perfectly.

How does the speaker's language change in formal or business environments?

In formal or business environments, the speaker makes an effort to articulate themselves well, using correct grammar to ensure they are understood and to avoid negative judgments from others.

What role does slang play in the speaker's communication with friends?

Slang is a form of self-expression and individuality for the speaker when communicating with friends. It helps them connect with their peers in a unique way, and it also serves as a form of rebellion against societal expectations.

What societal pressures does the speaker mention when it comes to language use?

The speaker discusses societal pressures to conform to 'proper' English, especially in formal settings. They feel that not using standard English can lead to being judged as less intelligent, uneducated, or unfit for professional environments.

How does the speaker describe the link between language and perceptions of intelligence?

The speaker notes that if someone uses slang or non-standard English, especially African American Vernacular English (AAVE), they may be perceived as less intelligent or educated, even though this is not necessarily true.

What is the speaker’s take on the need to assimilate in professional settings?

The speaker feels that in order to succeed professionally, especially in corporate settings, people are pressured to assimilate by speaking and behaving in ways that conform to societal expectations, even if it doesn’t reflect their personal identity.

How does the speaker address the stereotypes associated with speaking slang?

The speaker mentions that using heavy slang can lead to being stereotyped as a 'thug' or a 'gangster' and being perceived as less educated or competent, regardless of the individual's actual intelligence or abilities.

Why does the speaker believe language plays a role in how outsiders assess individuals?

The speaker believes that language is one of the main factors outsiders use to judge a person’s character, intelligence, and social status, which can influence how individuals are perceived in different environments.

What challenge does the speaker mention for African Americans in terms of language use?

The speaker points out that African Americans often feel the need to prove they are not 'one of the bad ones,' using language as a tool to show they are intelligent, hardworking, and capable of fitting into mainstream society.

How does the speaker feel about the judgments made within their own community regarding language use?

The speaker feels that even within the African American community, people are often judged harshly based on their language, depending on who they grew up around and the environments they were exposed to.