No such thing as correct English | Kellam Barta | TEDxFargo

Summary

The speaker challenges the notion of 'correct' English, highlighting regional and social variations like the 'bison' pronunciation in Fargo and 'habitual be' in African American dialects. They argue that language is dynamic, with examples like 'vocal fry' and evolving word meanings, and call for an end to language-based discrimination. The message is that language diversity should be celebrated, not stigmatized.

Takeaways

• 🌐 There is no universally 'correct' English; language varies by region and social group.
• 🎓 Local pronunciations, like 'bison' in Fargo, can be a source of pride and identity.
• 🗣️ Language variations, such as the 'habitual be' in African American dialects, are systematic and communicative.
• 👥 People may face social consequences for not conforming to local language norms.
• 📚 The case of Rachel Jeantel highlights how language can influence perception and credibility in the legal system.
• 👧 Young women are often criticized for their speech patterns, like 'vocal fry', which is not exclusive to them.
• 👶 Language is constantly evolving, with younger generations often leading changes in vocabulary and usage.
• 📰 The media often stigmatizes certain language features, like 'vocal fry', without scientific evidence of their novelty or impact.
• 👴 Older generations frequently lament the state of the language, a sentiment that has been repeated across history.
• 💡 It's not the speakers with different dialects who should change, but those with power to define 'correct' language who need to be more inclusive.
• 🌟 Language variation should be celebrated as a reflection of diversity, not viewed as a deficit.

Q & A

What is the main argument of the speaker in the transcript?

The main argument is that there is no such thing as 'correct' English, and that language variation should be celebrated rather than being a reason for exclusion or discrimination.

Why does the speaker mention the North Dakota State University mascot?

The speaker mentions the mascot 'Bison' to illustrate how pronunciation can vary regionally and how locals can be strongly attached to their own pronunciation, even to the point of correcting outsiders.

What is 'habitual be' and why is it significant in the context of the speech?

'Habitual be' is a grammatical feature used in some African American dialects to indicate ongoing or habitual actions. It's significant because it's often misunderstood as incorrect English, despite being systematic and communicative in its own right.

How does the speaker link the Trayvon Martin case to language variation?

The speaker links the Trayvon Martin case by discussing how witness Rachel Jeantel was discredited and misunderstood due to her use of African American English, which includes 'habitual be', highlighting the consequences of language variation in mainstream America.

What is 'vocal fry' and why does it attract criticism in the media?

Vocal fry is a pronunciation difference characterized by a creaky voice, often associated with young women. It attracts criticism because it's perceived as annoying and unprofessional, particularly when young women use it, despite being a natural linguistic variation.

Why does the speaker argue that young people are often criticized for their language use?

Young people are criticized because they are the primary drivers of linguistic innovation, such as changing word meanings or functions. This innovation is often seen as a degradation of the language by older generations who are more conservative in their language use.

What does the speaker suggest about the role of privilege in determining 'correct' English?

The speaker suggests that individuals from privileged demographics, like the speaker himself, often have the power to define what is considered 'correct' English. He argues that these individuals should be more inclusive and not use language variation as a basis for exclusion.

What is the speaker's stance on people from outside Fargo learning to say 'bison' the local way?

The speaker implies that it's not necessary for outsiders to conform to local language variations, arguing instead for a broader acceptance and celebration of linguistic diversity.

How does the speaker address the issue of young women and vocal fry in job interviews?

The speaker points out the unfairness of advising young women to suppress their natural speech patterns, such as vocal fry, during job interviews. He suggests that the focus should be on changing societal attitudes rather than altering individual speech.

What does the speaker mean when he says 'language variation represents a difference, not a deficit'?

The speaker means that different ways of speaking are simply variations and should be valued for their diversity, rather than being seen as a lack or failure to meet a standard form of language.

What is the speaker's final message regarding the concept of 'correct' English?

The speaker's final message is a call to action for those in positions of privilege to change their attitudes towards language variation, to stop excluding people based on how they speak, and to embrace the diversity of language as something positive.