- May 7, 2011
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One of the reasons people are still extant as a species is because of their ability to adapt to changing life conditions.
To succeed in an environment one must adapt to it, and the ability to effectively communicate within that environment is key to that success.
Does that include creating one's own environments?
CraigK said:In my opinion, speaking standard English in this country is one of the basic requirements (along with a good education and work habits) to succeed. In my reading, one of the main reasons given by wealthy minorities (apart from musicians and athletes) for their success is the insistence of their parents that they speak standard English in the home.
In my opinion, standard English is inferior to Law English. Now what is Law English? This is the language of the courts. This is why most people have to hire an attorney because they don't understand the language.
You can see this at work by grabbing any Supreme Court case. Most newspapers are written between a 5th - 8th grade reading level.
A Supreme Court case is in the stratosphere and beyond the comprehension of the majority of people.
Working hard is good. Working smarter is better.
CraigK said:Do I consider Ebonics a separate language? No. Like pidgin, it is a 'make do' tongue; it enables the speaker to 'get by' in society, but will never allow them to do much more than just 'get by'. Who wants to settle for that?
Now, may I have your opinion?
From a sociological perspective, whoever possesses a hegemony on the culture or territory determines what is "standard" or "acceptable".