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.

Outlines

00:00

🗣️ Language Variation and Social Consequences

The speaker begins by challenging the idea of 'correct English' and engages the audience with questions about local knowledge and pronunciation preferences. They highlight the strong local loyalty to certain pronunciations, such as 'Bison' with a 'z' sound, versus the more common 's' sound. The speaker then discusses how language variations, including pronunciation and grammar, can serve as social identifiers and that not adhering to these can lead to social exclusion. They use the example of 'habitual be' in African American dialects, explaining its systematic and communicative nature despite being considered non-standard by many. The consequences of using such dialects are illustrated with the case of Rachel Jeantel from the Trayvon Martin case, who was misunderstood and discredited due to her use of African American English. The speaker also touches on how young women's speech, particularly 'vocal fry,' is often criticized and associated with the Kardashians, despite being a common phenomenon among both genders. The paragraph concludes with a critique of how young people's language innovations are often viewed negatively by older generations.

05:00

🌐 The Fluidity of Language and Generational Perceptions

In this paragraph, the speaker addresses the inevitability of language change, citing examples such as the evolving meanings of words like 'epic' and 'Google'. They humorously note that older generations often accuse younger ones of corrupting the language, a sentiment that has been expressed across history. The speaker then poses rhetorical questions about whether outsiders should conform to local language usage, such as saying 'bison' with a 'z' sound, or whether individuals like Rachel Jeantel should adapt their speech for formal settings. The speaker identifies himself as part of the demographic that often dictates what is considered 'correct' language use and calls for a change in perspective. He argues that language variation should be celebrated rather than used as a basis for exclusion. The speaker concludes by encouraging the audience to reject the notion that there is a single 'correct' way to speak and to embrace linguistic diversity.

Keywords

💡Correct English

The term 'Correct English' is traditionally used to refer to a standardized form of the English language that adheres to certain grammar, pronunciation, and usage rules. However, in the video, the speaker challenges this notion by arguing that there is no single 'correct' way to speak English, as language varies by region and social group. The script uses the local pronunciation of 'bison' as an example to illustrate how language can vary and how attempts to enforce a single standard can be exclusionary.

💡Mascot

A 'mascot' is a symbol or character, often an animal, that represents a group with a common public identity, such as a sports team. In the script, the North Dakota State University's mascot, the Bison, is mentioned to engage the audience and to highlight how language, including the pronunciation of the mascot's name, can vary among different groups.

💡Pronunciation

Pronunciation refers to the way a word or a language is articulated when spoken. The script discusses the different pronunciations of 'bison' and how they can serve as a local or social identifier. It emphasizes that the variation in pronunciation is not incorrect but rather a reflection of linguistic diversity.

💡Habitual be

Habitual be is a grammatical feature used in some dialects, particularly African American Vernacular English (AAVE), to express ongoing or habitual actions. The speaker in the video explains that despite being considered non-standard by many, habitual be is systematic and communicative, just like any other verb in mainstream English.

💡Standard English

Standard English is a term used to describe a variety of English that adheres to the conventions of educated speech and writing. The video challenges the idea of a standard by showing that what is considered standard often reflects the biases of those in positions of power and can lead to the marginalization of other dialects.

💡Vocal fry

Vocal fry is a vocal quality characterized by a low, creaky voice, often used by young women. The script points out that vocal fry is a natural linguistic variation, but it is often stigmatized and associated with young women, leading to unfair criticism and advice against its use in professional settings.

💡Language variation

Language variation refers to the differences in language use that occur based on factors such as region, social class, ethnicity, and age. The video argues that these variations are not deficits but differences that should be celebrated. It highlights how language variation is used to exclude people and suggests that it is the prerogative of those in power to change this mindset.

💡Linguistic diversity

Linguistic diversity is the existence of a variety of languages or dialects within a given population. The script uses the example of different pronunciations of 'bison' to illustrate how linguistic diversity enriches language and culture, rather than detracts from it.

💡Social consequences

Social consequences refer to the impact that one's actions or behaviors can have on their social standing or interactions. The video discusses how the pronunciation of 'bison' and the use of habitual be can lead to social consequences, such as being misunderstood or discredited, highlighting the power dynamics at play in language use.

💡Privilege demographics

Privilege demographics refers to groups that have advantages in society, often based on factors such as race, gender, or socioeconomic status. The speaker identifies himself as part of these demographics and calls for them to change their attitudes towards language variation, recognizing that it is not others who need to conform but those with power who need to be more inclusive.

💡Language change

Language change is the process by which languages evolve over time. The script points out that language is always changing, using examples such as the shift in meaning of 'epic' and the verb use of 'Google'. It argues that this change is natural and should not be seen as a degradation of the language.

Highlights

Introduction of the concept that there is no such thing as correct English.

Engagement with the audience about local identity and language.

Discussion on the pronunciation of 'Bison' and its social implications.

The idea that language variation serves as a social identifier.

The grammatical feature 'habitual be' and its systematic nature.

Criticism of 'habitual be' as non-standard English.

The impact of language on the Trayvon Martin case and Rachel Jeantel's testimony.

The social consequences of using African American English in mainstream America.

Criticism of young women's speech patterns and 'vocal fry'.

The misconception that vocal fry is a new phenomenon or exclusive to young women.

The role of language change in the evolution of English.

Examples of how language evolves and how it's perceived by different generations.

The importance of recognizing language variation as a difference, not a deficit.

The call to action for privileged demographics to change their attitudes towards language variation.

The conclusion that telling someone to 'say it right' is nonsensical.

The applause and positive reception of the speech.

Transcripts

Transcriber: Hoda Adel Reviewer: Elisabeth Buffard

So, that's correct.

I'm here today to tell you that there is no such thing as correct English.

But first, I want to hear a bit from you all.

So, how many of you are from Fargo or within fifty miles or so ?

(Audience cheers)

Ok. Now, who among you can name

the mascot of North Dakota State university sports ?

Audience: The Bison!

Ok, excellent.

I'm going to ask you another question, and I want you to be honest with me.

How many of you have ever tried to tell someone how to say it right?

(Laughter)

Yeah?

So, you're probably aware

that there are at least two ways to say this word.

And that locals tend to have a very strong allegiance toward one of them.

(Laughter)

So strong in fact

that outsiders have been known to be bullied into saying "bi-zon"

with the z sound in the middle instead of the s sound in the middle,

which is how virtually everyone else in the country says it.

(Laughter)

It turns out that a difference in pronunciation

often serves as a local or social identifier,

and that failure to say it right can have real social consequences.

The same goes for grammar.

Consider the case of habitual be.

This is a grammatical feature

used in some varieties of African American dialects

to indicate ongoing behavior or habitual behavior.

Many English speakers consider this usage to be non standard.

A failed attempt at producing proper English.

As though these be's are just dropped in there,

haphazardly at random.

But research reveals that habitual be

is intricate, systematic and communicative,

as much as any verb in mainstream varieties of English.

In dialects that use this feature,

habitual be consistently expresses ongoing action.

And yet, using habitual be

and other features of African American English

has consequences in mainstream America.

Recall the Trayvon Martin case, in which key witness Rachel Jeantel,

a young African American woman, was widely misunderstood, and discredited

for the way she spoke English,

using systematically features of African American varieties of English.

George Zimmerman was acquitted,

and Rachel Jeantel was viciously attacked on social media,

as highlighted by these tweets,

and reflected in one juror's attitude,

that her speech patterns were non communicative

In the view of the mainstream public,

Rachel Jeantel just didn't "say it right".

Young women in general have often come under fire

for failure to "say it right".

Take a look at this quick video clip

from Faith Salie on cbsnews.com.

Faith Salie: America's young women are running out of oxygen.

What esle could explain why so many of them sound like thiiiiis?

Girl 1: Sooo cuuute!

Girl 2: Hiii!

Girl 3: It's just kind of, like, you know, moootto.

Girl 4: Chloe just dooon't get iiiit!

Faith Salie: believe it or not,

there's a scientific term for the way a Kardashian speaks:

and it's "vocal fryyyy".

(Laughter)

So, vocal fry is a kind of pronunciation difference

affected in the vocal cords.

And mainstream media tends to vilify vocal fry,

pinning it to young women,

and blaming the Kardashians for instituting its use.

Our own Fargo forum even noted that vocal fry is often found annoying,

and the Atlantic advises that young women who wish to get a job

ought not to vocal fry during their job interview.

(Laughter)

And yet, there is insufficient scientific evidence to show

a) that vocal fry is anything new

and b) that it's young women, who are predominantly doing it.

Men are actually vocal frying too.

It's just we find it annoying, when young women are doing it.

(Laughter)

Another group that just can't catch a break

when it's comes to saying things right is young people.

Whether it be changing the meaning of words completely,

changing nouns into verbs, or vice versa,

young speakers are always innovating,

and the language isn't continually influx.

Whereas "epic" used to mean something like broad in scope,

as in "an epic poem by Homer",

we know live in a world where epic can refer to a really good cheeseburger.

(Laughter)

Lebron James can be "literally on fire" when shooting a high percentage.

"Google" is a verb and "invite" a noun.

Language changes.

That's why Harry Potter doesn't sound like Shakespeare

and that's why older generations will always accuse younger generations

of destroying the language.

Barry Sanders of the Raleigh News Observer,

often lament the morbid state of the English language.

I wonder if he realizes

that older generations were saying the same thing to his generation

when he was a kid

and that young speakers communicate successfully,

and we will continue to do so.

So, if you're buying what I'm saying,

you maybe sitting there thinking right now:

"Sure! There is no such thing as correct English.

But, couldn't people who come to Fargo from the outside

just learn to say "bison"?"

(Laughter)

Shouldn't Rachel Jeantel just have learned to speak a little whiter for court?

Can't young women stop vocal frying

long enough to get through a job interview?

And shouldn't young speakers just speak formal academic English all the time?

Well, it would be very easy for me to answer yes to all those questions,

because I'm a white male, college-educated English teacher from Fargo.

(Laughter)

In other words,

I belong to all of the privilege demographics

who gets to decide what it means to say it right in these cases.

What I wish to impress upon you all today

is that it is us, members of privilege demographics,

who need to change.

We need to stop using language variation,

as a reason to exclude people.

When language variation represents a difference not a deficit,

that should be celebrated, and not subordinated.

So, please know,

that the next time someone comes up to you and tells you say it right,

they are talking utter nonsense.

Thank you.

(Applause)