African American Vernacular English

Pronunciation: /ˈæfrɪkən əˈmɛrɪkən vərˈnækjəl ˈɪŋɡlɪʃ/

Definitions of African American Vernacular English

noun African American Vernacular English - a variety of English spoken primarily by African Americans in the United States, characterized by unique grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation features

Example Sentences

A1 African American Vernacular English is a type of English spoken by many African Americans.

A2 Learning about African American Vernacular English can help you understand different dialects.

B1 Some linguists study African American Vernacular English to better understand language diversity.

B2 African American Vernacular English has its own unique grammar rules and vocabulary.

C1 Scholars have debated the origins and evolution of African American Vernacular English.

C2 African American Vernacular English plays a significant role in the cultural identity of African Americans.

Examples of African American Vernacular English in a Sentence

formal African American Vernacular English is a recognized variety of English spoken by many African Americans.

informal A lot of my friends speak African American Vernacular English, and it's really cool to listen to.

slang Some people refer to African American Vernacular English as Ebonics.

figurative The use of African American Vernacular English in literature adds a unique and authentic voice to the characters.

Grammatical Forms of African American Vernacular English

• past tense: loved
• plural: African Americans
• comparative: more African American
• superlative: most African American
• present tense: love
• future tense: will love
• perfect tense: have loved
• continuous tense: is loving
• singular: African American
• positive degree: African American
• infinitive: to love
• gerund: loving
• participle: loved

Origin and Evolution of African American Vernacular English

First Known Use: 1601 year

Language of Origin: English

Story behind the word: African American Vernacular English (AAVE) originated from the diverse linguistic influences brought by African slaves to America during the transatlantic slave trade.

Evolution of the word: Over time, AAVE has evolved to incorporate elements from various African languages, as well as regional dialects and cultural influences, resulting in a distinct and vibrant form of communication within the African American community.