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Book: The Five-Minute Linguist

Chapter: 51. What is African American English?

DOI: 10.1558/equinox.38171

Blurb:

African American English, or the variety of English spoken in many predominantly African American communities, has long been of great interest to linguists and the public. However, AAE's origins and structures are often stigmatized and misunderstood, resulting in linguistic prejudice and discrimination. This chapter discusses the history of AAE, some of its structural features, and its integral position in modern American society.

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