Ebonics

Use this forum to suggest Good Words for Professor Beard.
cnichol
Junior Lexiterian
Posts: 5
Joined: Wed Nov 23, 2011 12:44 pm

Ebonics

Postby cnichol » Mon Dec 19, 2011 6:46 pm

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?
Christy Nichols

Perry Lassiter
Great Grand Panjandrum
Posts: 3333
Joined: Wed Jan 03, 2007 12:41 pm
Location: RUSTON, LA
Contact:

Postby Perry Lassiter » Mon Dec 19, 2011 11:00 pm

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.
pl

cnichol
Junior Lexiterian
Posts: 5
Joined: Wed Nov 23, 2011 12:44 pm

Postby cnichol » Thu Dec 22, 2011 11:58 am

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.
Christy Nichols

LukeJavan8
Great Grand Panjandrum
Posts: 4422
Joined: Fri Oct 09, 2009 6:16 pm
Location: Land of the Flat Water

Postby LukeJavan8 » Fri Jan 06, 2012 1:55 pm

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.
-----please, draw me a sheep-----

Philip Hudson
Great Grand Panjandrum
Posts: 2784
Joined: Thu Feb 23, 2006 4:41 am
Location: Texas

Ebonics

Postby Philip Hudson » Thu Jan 12, 2012 11:30 am

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.
It is dark at night, but the Sun will come up and then we can see.

LukeJavan8
Great Grand Panjandrum
Posts: 4422
Joined: Fri Oct 09, 2009 6:16 pm
Location: Land of the Flat Water

Postby LukeJavan8 » Fri Jan 13, 2012 2:10 pm

Exactly what I was talking about. The double standard
is curious. Not too familiar with Gulah: speak more.....
-----please, draw me a sheep-----

Philip Hudson
Great Grand Panjandrum
Posts: 2784
Joined: Thu Feb 23, 2006 4:41 am
Location: Texas

ebonics

Postby Philip Hudson » Fri Jan 20, 2012 2:01 am

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.
It is dark at night, but the Sun will come up and then we can see.

LukeJavan8
Great Grand Panjandrum
Posts: 4422
Joined: Fri Oct 09, 2009 6:16 pm
Location: Land of the Flat Water

Postby LukeJavan8 » Fri Jan 20, 2012 1:46 pm

Your definition with Remus, helps. The site won't open.
But thanks.
-----please, draw me a sheep-----


Return to “Good Word Suggestions”

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 12 guests