African-American Attitudes Concerning African-American English
Graduation Date
Spring 1994
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Document Form
Degree Name
Master of Science
Program Name
Education
Abstract
There have been significant studies done on the topic of African-American English. For the past quarter-century, a controversy over the recognition, value and use of African-American English has captured the attention of media, professionals, educators and parents nationwide. This study examined the opinions of African-Americans from a variety of backgrounds and communities to obtain their views on African-American English: its place in the school, in the community, in African-American heritage and its role in the futures of African-American students. The results of the questionnaires and interviews indicated African-Americans have varying opinions about African- American English. Most of the subjects felt that some African-Americans do speak with a dialect, but they did not believe there was a language known as African-American English. Overall, most of the people surveyed agreed that African-American English is a valuable part of their heritage. However, it has no place in the classroom and use of African-American English beyond one’s community, can affect students opportunities and economic success.