Cultural Language Dynamics Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is Ebonics?

A system of language used mainly by African Americans (correct)

A formal language used in academic settings

A type of slang in urban areas

An informal language exclusive to musicians

What is code switching?

the ability to translate from one style of speaking to another

What does language conflict refer to?

when the form of language used at home is different from that of mainstream society

What is an oppositional identity?

expressing identity in opposition to mainstream culture Signup and view all the answers

What does manufacturing consent suggest about U.S. media?

that media serves a propaganda function without overt coercion Signup and view all the answers

What is double consciousness?

the internal conflict experienced by subordinated groups in an oppressive society Signup and view all the answers

What is language ideology?

shared beliefs about language and language diversity Signup and view all the answers

What are assumptions of mainstream language ideology?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What does alternative language ideology propose?

nonstandard speech is not incorrect and should be accepted by society Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of Push Syndrome?

Pushing toward White American culture Signup and view all the answers

What is a main aspect of Pull Syndrome?

Exhibiting covertly prestigious norms more in male speakers Signup and view all the answers

What are motivations to not use Standard English?

feeling like betraying families/friends and their dialect/culture Signup and view all the answers

What are motivations to use Standard English?

to help get a job and sound more professional Signup and view all the answers

Graylen Todd Graham aspired to be an ________ but faced discouragement.

English teacher Signup and view all the answers

What issue did Graylen Todd Graham face regarding his language use?

He was scolded for using the habitual form of 'be' Signup and view all the answers

What does Sonja Lanehart's work emphasize regarding AAVE?

AAVE is recognized as a language or language variety Signup and view all the answers

What is the dominant group's tactic regarding language power according to Faye Vaughn-Cooke?

manufacturing consent Signup and view all the answers

What do you think about the Ebonics controversy in relation to language ideology?

Signup and view all the answers

Why might a dialect become non-standard?

Due to social, political, and cultural power dynamics. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ebonics

A language system primarily used by African Americans, particularly in working-class contexts.
Combines Euro-American speech with Afro-American meaning, tone, and gestures.
Used by 80-90% of American blacks, highlighting the dual nature of language (grammar and expressions) and style (manner of speaking).

Code Switching

Refers to the skill of alternating between different styles of speaking, also known as "style shifting".
Involves mental translation, allowing bilingual or bidialectal individuals to convey and interpret meaning effectively.

Language Conflict

Occurs when a home language differs from that of mainstream society, creating a disconnect for individuals.

Oppositional Identity

Emerges when individuals express their identity in contrast to perceived mainstream culture.
Can manifest through fashion, music, and language.

Concept that U.S. mass media functions as ideological institutions through market forces and self-censorship.
Promotes a system-maintaining propaganda model without explicit coercion.

Double Consciousness

Describes the internal struggle faced by marginalized groups within an oppressive societal framework.

Language Ideology

Refers to societal beliefs about language and diversity, often taken for granted as common sense without explicit questioning.

Mainstream Language Ideology

Assumes that Standard English is superior and that Ebonics reflects poor grammar or slang.
Suggests individuals must use Standard English to succeed in society.

Alternative Language Ideology

Argues that Standard English is not linguistically superior and recognizes nonstandard speech as valid.
Advocates for societal acceptance of nonstandard dialects without requiring conformity for success.

Push Syndrome

Describes the tendency to conform to White American cultural norms, often observed more in male speakers.

Pull Syndrome

Characterizes the tendency to drift away from White American culture, often seen among younger, male working-class speakers.

Motivations to Not Use Standard English

Individuals may feel they are betraying their cultural identity and dialect by conforming to Standard English.

Motivations to Use Standard English

Using Standard English can facilitate job acquisition and create a professional image, free from perceived "bad grammar".

Graylen Todd Graham

Aspiring English teacher faced discouragement for using habitual "be" form.
Believes in respecting Black language while teaching Standard English for professional opportunities.

Sonja Lanehart

AAVE acknowledged as a legitimate language variety without claims of superiority or inferiority.
Focuses on the community of speakers rather than framing it as a separate language.

Faye Vaughn-Cooke

Emphasizes the dominant group's control over linguistic power through the subtle method of manufacturing consent.

Rachel Jones and Crossover Expression

Further details needed for analysis.

Factors Affecting Ebonics Use

Asks whether barriers to using Ebonics are stronger for African Americans compared to other societal groups like immigrants.

Ebonics Controversy

Calls for analysis of opinions surrounding Ebonics in context of language ideology and the push-pull dynamics within Black America.

Status of Nonstandard Dialects

Nonstandard dialects may arise from power dynamics; if a group had prevailed historically, their dialect could dominate.
The establishment of a dialect as standard is influenced by sociopolitical factors.

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Description

Test your knowledge on Ebonics, code switching, and the role of language in culture and identity. Explore how language influences social dynamics and personal identity, particularly in African American communities. Understand concepts like oppositional identity and how they relate to language conflict.