In Baldwin’s essay, he is saying that the manner in which you speak, will determine how people treat you. I agree, people will make assumptions about you based on your choice of words, accent, or vocabulary. In order to conform to this harsh reality people evolve a new language in order to control their circumstances and/or environment.
Black English originated during slavery, when the slaves were brought to America they were all from different tribes; therefore they did not speak the same language. In order to survive and to understand each other, they evolved a language of their own. In England people can tell what kind of person you are, where you’re from, and if you’re wealthy just by listening to your diction. A person living in Paris cannot understand what a person from Quebec is saying even though they speak the same language (French.)
I do believe that language is the key to a person’s identity. Your grammar, language, etc. will determine how you are treated and if you will be accepted in the society that you are in.
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