Language is a system of communication that transcends mere sound; it serves as a cultural fingerprint, revealing a person’s origins, upbringing, and social influences through dialect, tone, and slang.
The Evolution of English
The English language has undergone transformations over the last millennium, due to invasions, migrations, and cultural shifts. Its development is traditionally categorized into four major eras:
1. Old English (c. 450–1100 CE)
2. Middle English (c. 1100–1500 CE)
3. Early Modern English (c. 1500–1800 CE)
4. Late Modern and Contemporary English (1800–Present): The current stage, characterized by rapid expansion and global diversification.
While the English spoken in modern households differs significantly from its medieval roots, it remains a living, evolving reflection of our history.
What Is AAVE?
African American Vernacular English (AAVE) is a distinct, rule governed dialect of American English natively spoken by many Black Americans.
History of AAVE
The roots of AAVE can be traced to the contact between West African languages and the English spoken by enslaved people and early settlers. The dialect was further shaped by historical segregation.
Worldview
While academics recognize it as a valid dialect, society often stigmatizes it as “broken English,” frequently deeming it unprofessional or improper. Globally and digitally, it faces heavy cultural appropriation, where non-Black populations use AAVE elements as “internet slang” or “Gen Z” terms without acknowledging their Black origins.
Fun Facts: 3 Popularized AAVE Words and Their Meanings
1. “Lowkey / Highkey”: “Lowkey” refers to describing something in a subtle or understated manner, while “highkey” is the polar opposite, describing something of openly high interest or intensity.
2. “No Cap”: A phrase used to highlight and confirm that no lies are being told in the context provided.
3. “Lit”: Used to describe a moment, a person, or an event as having a great time, typically in a fun and energetic tone.
Next time you use what you perceive to be slang or internet speech, consider whether you should be thanking the internet or the Black tongue.
Resources
Commonwealth Times. (2021, February 18). AAVE is not your internet slang; it is Black culture.
Encyclopaedia Britannica. (n.d.). English language.
Mango Languages. (n.d.). African American Vernacular English: What is it, where does it come from, and why is it important?
TED-Ed. (2017, February 23). *How did English evolve? – Claire Bowery
TED-Ed. (2019, February 14). The history of African American Vernacular English – John McWhorter