Do you want to learn more about African American Vernacular English (AAVE), sometimes known as "Black English" or "Ebonics"? The following are some of the most outstanding books you can buy to learn about the history, structure, and usage of African-American Vernacular English.
Some of these books are linguistic overviews, while others are AAVE tales.
The books below can be used both for individual language learning and for corporate language training as part of a general English program.
The book "African American Vernacular English: Features, Evolution, Educational Implications" by linguist professor John R. Rickford includes almost everything regarding AAVE's linguistic properties. The book, written as a collection of articles, details the differences between Ebonics and AAVE. Though the terms are frequently used interchangeably, Rickford maintains that there is a distinction between the two. This book is ideal for people who have a prior understanding of linguistics or want to broaden their knowledge of black culture in America.
The book, written by Linda R. Taylor, delves deeply into the language contrasts between AAVE and Standard American English/Euro-American English, as well as the variations in cognitive patterns. The first book discusses the possibility of "Black English"being a 'neo-African' language. This book is ideal for anybody interested in "Black English" and looking for a complete collection of similar terms, unlike Standard American English.
The book, written by black linguist John McWhorter. The book delves into the syntactic and syntax structure of "Black English", demonstrating how it is a distinct dialect like Standard American English (SAE). Some reviewers believe the book is overly repetitious, yet most people rate it 4/5 stars, making it a solid option for this list.
This book, written in the first person by African-American linguist John Baugh. The book not only discusses the linguistic aspects of "Black English" but also the debate that has surrounded it throughout America. Beyond Ebonics also dispels several misconceptions about the dialect's authenticity. This book is ideal for linguistics, African-American studies, and education students.
The images and text in this 32-page book give a deep look into the life of a violin student who walks by a blind man named Mr. Washington, who recognizes not only the student but also the music he is playing. This isn't a novel, but it's a fantastic place to start for people who want to immerse themselves in "Black English" terminology and pass it on to their children.
This book, written by David J. Ramirez and edited by numerous others, is a must-have for severe AAVE students. This book discusses both what "Black English" is and what it isn't. The book's primary goal is to address critical educational concerns, such as the legitimacy of AAVE's usage in the traditional classroom.
This novel, written in the "Black English", tells the story of a kid named Kevin who wishes for a younger brother but is instead given a younger sister. He realizes the significance of being an elder brother after feeling overlooked and unhappy.
This story focuses on the lives of two sisters who are separated yet communicate via letters. During the early 1900s in rural Georgia, the first letters were addressed to God, then to each other. This is an excellent work of fiction that everyone who appreciates a good novel or narrative should buy.
This book, written by African-American anthropologist and writer Zora Neale Hurston, is a must-have for anybody interested in not just the linguistic structure of AAVE but also in immersing themselves in African-American culture.
This book, or novel, depicts the life of a young girl who is experiencing significant challenges, including her father raping her and her mother dismissing her. The book is written in the AAVE language and expresses the problems of city living succinctly. This is a must-have for AAVE fans and anyone who appreciates a solid fiction (urban) narrative.