Language and Literacy Reflection

Language can be defined as the conventional usage of words as a system of

communication. Literacy can be defined as ones ability to both read and write.
Both language and literacy play a pivotal role in our society. They can determine
how a particular person or ethnic group can be viewed or perceived by society
which can affect how they are treated by society.
Contrary to popular belief, the Standard American English we know today in
America is only a bastardize version of the English that originated in England.
With that having been said, when Africans were forced to come to America as
slaves they experienced a brief language barrier. They were unable to verbally
communicate with their masters due to the differences among the languages.
However this did not last very long. The slaves were taught almost immediately
upon arrival an even more bastardize version of English. For example, when a
slave would refer to their master they would say massa which is both a
bastardize and incorrect version of the word master. These slaves were fully
capable of speaking articulately and properly but they were forced to learn a
bastardize version of English in order for them to assimilate to the white American
society. If these slaves wouldve kept their native tongue they might have posed a
threat to white America because they would be able to speak in a private language
which will allow them to secretly plot against the slave owners. They also were
forced to learn English so the slave owners could communicate their orders to them
without the need for translation. Unfortunately, these slaves were forbidden to
read which prevented them from learning the correct pronunciation and structure of
the English language. Subsequently, this common vernacular was passed down to
later generations. This bastardize or broken English became a part of the African
American vernacular.
Today, what was known as the African American vernacular is
predominantly referred to as Ebonics. Ebonics is defined as the language of the
ebony people. Today, Ebonics incorporates a lot of modern slang. I, like many well
educated African American people, seldom use Ebonics. Situations that involve me
using urban terminology would be in social settings usually around my peers or
those within my age group. When I communicate with adults or my superiors such
as my employer or a police officer, I speak more articulately and eloquently. I try
to circumvent using poor English or what people believe is the African American

vernacular because it may cause others to discriminate against me and consider me

a person of ignorance or simply one who is uneducated. I am completely
comfortable with utilizing my knowledge of Standard American English language.
Furthermore, I believe that one should use proper English in any situation
regardless of who that are communicating with.
In most cases language can divulge the status of ones education or class.
Typically those who have received a high education or a reputable education reflect
that in their vernacular. That can correlate with the vernacular based on class.
Those who are impoverished tend to receive poor education which can cause them
to have a poor understanding of the English language. This is also applicable to
those of affluence. Those who are wealthy probably receive a good education
which can aid to their comprehension of the English language. So, it can reveal the
status of ones education or class. However, I believe that language cannot reveal
the status of ones race. Today, Ebonics or the African American vernacular is
commonly used by people who are not of African descent. Many whites, Latinos
and people of other ethnic groups use the African American vernacular. This also
applies to other vernaculars dominated by other races. Many African Americans
use the white vernacular or the vernacular of some Latinos. Since America is the
melting pot of cultures and almost all of the cultures adopt characteristics of one
another it would be rather difficult for one to attempt to determine anothers race
based solely on how they speak.
Code switching is the practice of switching between one or more languages
within a single conversation. A great example of code switching is Spanglish.
Spanglish is when the conversation consist of both Spanish and English within the
same context. I do not code switch between standard American English and the
African American vernacular. I simply adhere to the standard American language,
not to come off as pretentious, but to allow people to easily comprehend what I am
trying to communicate.
My verbal and written communications skills represent how I choose to
present myself to others. I choose to present myself with composure and stature so
that I can be taken seriously. I believe that if I were to communicate inadequately,
someone will not take what I am trying to express seriously. They may degrade me
for simply being an ignorant uneducated nonwhite. I choose to avert such
discrimination by speaking eloquently and remaining well educated.

Things that can improve my language and literacy skills is simply reading
more. I am already an avid reader. During my journey as a voracious reader Ive
come to the realization that reading can positively affect my vocabulary and my
reading skills. Reading often has improved my reading speed and my reading
comprehension. Furthermore, reading has augmented my vocabulary. Prior to
becoming an avid reader, I would use words that were common of the words
spoken by a child, however now I am better at communicating my ideas and
thoughts with less words and with words that are more specific to what I am
actually trying to say. Another way to improve my language and literacy skills is to
learn Latin. Latin is the root of many English words. If I were to learn Latin I
would then learn the etymology of words which can aid to my understanding of
them and what they mean. Lastly, I will communicate more especially with those
who I consider intelligent. That way how can learn for how they speak and use
them as a guide to modify my vernacular.