LANG 1120 Understanding Human Language

Bernstein

Please TYPE short answers to the following questions. See DUE DATE on Blackboard.

A. “American Tongues” (1987), VHS (at WPU library) and also streaming (link to NJVid
film provided on Blackboard)

1. What kinds of dialect differences do you notice in this area (NJ or metropolitan NYC area)?

2. Are there any dialects that are prestigious in the video? Why? Any that are stigmatized?
Why?

3. One of the people appearing in the video says that we automatically judge people from the
way they talk. Do you agree? Suppose you get a phone call from someone you have never
met; would you form an opinion of the person based on speech?

4. What are some of the positive reasons for using a local dialect or another language? Do you
switch dialects or languages based on the social situation?

5. What aspect of the film was most interesting or surprising to you? Why?

B. Dr. Lisa Green’s April 2013 WPU lecture on African American English (link to film
provided at Blackboard)

6. Dr. Green discusses four hypotheses about the historical origins of African American English
(AAE). Identify and explain them.

7. Prof. Green reviews several characterizations of AAE. What are they and which one does she
adopt? Are all AAE speakers the same?

8. At what stage of life is AAE usually acquired? How do we know?

9. How would you characterize your view of African American English before listening to Prof.
Green’s lecture? After viewing her lecture, has your view changed? If so, how?

10. What aspect of the lecture was most interesting or surprising to you? Why?