Ebonics is an interesting topic because to some, it is a way of life. Ebonics, which is a portmanteau of ebony and phonics, is the vernacular that is common among poorer, lower class inner city residents. Although it is entirely based on English, an outsider would be perplexed by the complexity with which this popular slang has evolved. Terms in ebonics are often derived from the creator's personal experience or the likening of an object to another. New York is considered one of the epicenters for the evolution of ebonics, and many popular slang words used in a young person's vernacular today were originated there. In this case, the medium is the message because the language is the message and the vessel through which it travels. Not only are there a complex list of vocabulary words that one must master in order to be fluent in ebonics, but there is also the matter of inflection. Different words have different meanings, and inflections can help an individual contextualize the situation. This also goes along with the theme of decoding messages because the meaning of certain phrases and words vary. One may misinterpret something's meaning, resulting in conflict or discontent. Although the language flourishes in many urban areas, there is still a stigma against it. People who are not used to hearing it assume that people of a lower class speak it. However, it is used by many races and cultures that live in diverse cities like New York. The culture of one group permeated into society and has become a vital part of it.
Here is a list of common ebonics phrases.
Fly - good
Supafly - very good
don't be trippin' - Do not be anxious (a difficult word to translate)
keepin' it real - keeping things in prespective to reality
Matt,
ReplyDeleteI completely agree that Ebonics is a medium within society. Whenever I hear someone speak in ebonics, I immediately think they're from the south or inner city. It's amazing to me how this alternative form of communication is essentially a by product of society. The origins of these words are also intriguing (how they were formed, accepted in society, etc.). I also think sometimes people can understand Ebonics better than the traditional language. When my friends speak proper English I find it distracting and almost forced, versus using slang terms.
Great post!
Michelle
Michelle's right. You can learn a lot about someone by their word choice. It's also interesting how slang starts with the lower class like you mentioned, but then becomes adopted by a large group of people. Only in the last 30 years or so does the middle class try to emulate the class.
ReplyDeleteBut Matt. I thought you could have had more than two examples.
Deuces