INTRODUCTION
This is an English exam paper prepared for the EVU2-EDB course at Niuernermik
Ilinniarfik, Nuuk.
The main topic of this paper is the USA, and I have chosen to concentrate on a
fairly new issue, the language know as Ebonics.
There have always been changes in the English language. This is how the
language came about and evolved from standard British English to American
English.
During the last few years, as the world has become more sensitive to the rights of
minorities, women, animals, etc. a new form of changes has taken place. These
changes have become known as Political Correctness.
Ebonics is the political correct version of Afro-American English. I intend to show
that - and comment on how - racialism and competition affects a society and how
this, in the case of Ebonics, is actually happening in today's America.
Nuuk February 1997 Ral Fleischer
THE QUESTIONS ASKED
I will attempt to answer the following questions about Ebonics;
n what is Ebonics?
n what are the underlying reasons behind Ebonics?
n who is prospering from Ebonics?
What is Ebonics?
Most people outside of America have at most but a vague idea of what Ebonics is
all about.
Malcolm X
5May04RandallLiveWhatTheDickens 001
Randy Grace. OKCityOK.Apart from being a buzzword in American media since December 1996
what are the fundamental concepts behind this expression? Where, how and when
did it start, and who started it?
What are the underlying reasons behind Ebonics?
To fully understand Ebonics, some historical background is needed. One has to
have some knowledge on how the English language has developed in America.
Furthermore one has to be aware how the American society is loaded down with
the influence of stereotypical thinking, racialism and competition.
In his autobiography, the famous black spokesman, Minister Malcolm X, portrays
the undisguised hostility that exists between...