From the Roots to the Rhythm: A Journey in African American English

This thesis, as the title itself suggests, aims to be a journey through various aspects of the African American Vernacular including its origins, linguistic features (grammatical, lexical and phonological aspects) and cultural significance through the analysis of a short story. The topic has been widely discussed among linguists and scholars, and various aspects have been analyzed and studied. Drawing on a range of sources, this study highlights the importance of African American English, demonstrating how it reflects the historical experiences, challenges and resilience of the community. Often misunderstood or undervalued in mainstream discourse, African American English should be recognized as a legitimate and rich linguistic system, comparable to other varieties of English and the Standard. This thesis examines some selected aspects that help understand the cultural richness of this unique variety. The analysis of the short story focuses on the difference between African American English and Standard English, not only through linguistic features but also through sociological and rhetorical lenses. The research is based on a study of various books, articles and websites. This study ultimately highlights the deep connection between language and identity, offering a profound understanding of African American English as both a linguistic variety and a cultural expression.