"If Black English Isn't a Language, then Tell Me, What Is?"

In his essay, James Baldwin makes a convincing argument about Black English and how it is a language of its own. He supports his claim by saying that there can be many versions of a "general" language depending on the region where it is spoken. He uses the example of French and how a person living in Paris cannot understand what a person from Quebec is saying, even though their "common" language is French. He also uses history to support his claim. He talks about how the Black English originated during the time of slavery. When the slaves were brought over, they were from different tribes; therefore, they did not speak the same language. So in order to survive during that time, they established their own language. They used language as a tool to help them survive and eventually be set free. In addition to slavery, Baldwin talks about how Black English has influenced White English. Phrases and words were taken from the Black English and their meanings were changed a little and incorporated into White English. Baldwin uses several examples such as “sock it to me” and “jazz.” Since White English influenced by Black English, Baldwin wonders how white Americans would sound like if there had never been any black people in the United States and if they did not create their own language. Baldwin makes a really good argument in his paper and uses a lot of logic to support his claim. He is a credible author on this subject because of his background, experience with the Civil Rights movement and experience living in American and France.