by Douglas Clarke*
Abstract:
A look at the underlying metaphysical, philosophical and rhetorical themes that can be found in
the language of the African American Vernacular Tradition. This paper traces rhetorical and
performative language from Africa through to mainland American in several forms including
tropes and rhetorical method, syntax, vernacular and signifying.
Introduction
Some traditions are criticized for their self-dependence, the fact that they can be self generating or the idea that they are not part of a larger hegemonic or dominant tradition. This is a dangerous way of thinking. If one must ascribe to the overarching culture and the standards that they imprint, then it is possible to miss out on many rich and important subcultures and traditions. One such tradition that has come under some scrutiny is the African American vernacular tradition or more simply put “Black English”. Many linguistic and anthropological scholars have critiqued this tradition for the way that it has come about, claiming that it is a
simple bastardization of Standard English or that it is the lazy pronunciation of words that have developed into a slovenly form of the dominant language or the artists are unable to do anything original and thus mimic poorly the dominant culture‟s method of discourse (Morgan 1994, 326 and Tamura 2002, 18, 21).
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This post is certainly express the opinion of many thought on what some termed “Black English.”Some refer to some speech of some blacks as “ghetto”and others called reference “lazy or country.” I f eel that the black rhetorical tradition is as diverse as each culture and region of blackness. Therefore, it is ludicrous to stereotype rhetorical traditions without including every aspect.
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