Page 1 of 1

Ebonics

Posted: Mon Dec 19, 2011 6:46 pm
by cnichol
What is the history of the word "Ebonics", which my friend uses to describe the African-American dialect of English she speaks as a native of Washington, DC?

Posted: Mon Dec 19, 2011 11:00 pm
by Perry Lassiter
The dictionaries agree that it showed up in print around 1973, and it's a combination of ebony and phonics. One said it was mildly offensive, but I think that would depend on the context. It's also referred to as African-American Vernacular speech. A book by that title was published in 1975. I find it interesting that your friend who speaks that lingo would use the term.

Posted: Thu Dec 22, 2011 11:58 am
by cnichol
Yes, my colleague uses the term all the time in reference to what she speaks with her family and friends outside of the work place. This is the first time I have heard that is can be offensive to some people, which is good for me to know. Thanks.

Posted: Fri Jan 06, 2012 1:55 pm
by LukeJavan8
Definitely offensive. Those using it use words that
others are not allowed to use as they are considered
offensive to ebonic speakers when used by non-ebonic
peoples.

Ebonics

Posted: Thu Jan 12, 2012 11:30 am
by Philip Hudson
This is true LukeJavan8.

An Ebonics speaker can use the "n" word with impunity. He/she can call any one an "n" word. If you are not an Ebonics speaker, and only certain people are allowed to speak Ebonics, then saying the "n" word is a definite racial slur. I never say the "n" word and wouldn't if I were allowed to speak Ebonics, but the double standard is strange. I don't want to speak Ebonics and wonder why anyone would want to. It is in a different class than having a Southern or Yankee accent. Gullah is a different thing. I would love to know how to speak Gullah.

Posted: Fri Jan 13, 2012 2:10 pm
by LukeJavan8
Exactly what I was talking about. The double standard
is curious. Not too familiar with Gulah: speak more.....

ebonics

Posted: Fri Jan 20, 2012 2:01 am
by Philip Hudson
For a definition of Gulah see: http://freefactfinder.com/definition/Gulah.html.
Joel Chandler Harris uses a version of Gulah in his Uncle Remus stories. It is surely a modification of Gulah because with a little study most English speakers can get the jist of the Uncle Remus stories.

Posted: Fri Jan 20, 2012 1:46 pm
by LukeJavan8
Your definition with Remus, helps. The site won't open.
But thanks.