I’ve recently been working on some teaching material related to Nina Simone and the use of African American Vernacular English (AAVE). You can take a look if you like!
I wanted to take a moment to comment on why I love teaching this song and how important it is to highlight the use of different varieties of a language in teaching material.
One very significant reason is that it reminds us that language is much more than just grammar and vocabulary. Learning English means embracing the stories of the people who speak it: their hopes, their fears, and what they value the most in this world.
In addition to that, learning different forms of the language helps us keep in mind that there’s more than one way of speaking, writing, or even singing in a language! Some varieties —like Standard American English— have a privileged position in society. Others, like African American Vernacular English, are stigmatized still today, considered to be “incorrect” by those who fear diversity.
Nevertheless, there are —and always will be— champions like Nina Simone who inspire us to challenge oppressors and be our most authentic selves.
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