This guy is doing a great job, he is teaching them that presentation matters, which it absolutely does. I am shocked that blacks are calling him a racist, only in this day and age would a dedicated teacher be accused of racism for trying to improve the chances of teenagers and even adults of landing good jobs. No good deed goes unpunished.
Garrard, you have many great points, but the thing is, many black people can't speak english traditionally as a result of poor educational exposure, and so even though other black people can "Switch it on and off" doesn't mean that they should. When they go back to their communities and switch ebonics back "on", then they are effectively perpetuating the incorrect usage of the english language towards those who can't speak english correctly by choice. They need to teach their fellows correctly
You know, I was raised not only in an environment, but in a home where Standard English was used. First of all, the guy most definitely sounds black. In other words he has that twang in his voice and that's OK. You can still use proper "grammar" and be who you are. I may not sound black because I just was not raised in a black environment, and I have not forgotten where my roots are. I am absolutely proud and will be forever more of my heritage! Knowledge is king and practice makes permanent!
Albeit an expatriate since 2000, This Chicagoan is VERY honoured to have Mr. Garrard as a fellow Windy City Denizen! He is telling it like it REALLY is! The sad thing is (I know you've heard it all before..) the 'acting White/selling out' bit in re : peer pressure is SO prevalent...TOO prevalent to-day.. (I used to get that ALOT!) Only when one leaves that selfdestructive mindset can Black Americans get the dignity & respect they should strive to earn.. Two words to Mr. Garrard : YOU **RULE!!**
African Americans are scrutinized more. For instance, "gonna" is not considered standard, but is accepted by mainstream Americans. "Gon" with a long "o" in "I'm gon go to the store" is considered unacceeptable and more prone to correction. Why? They're both incorrect. Black English is always considered sub-standard, before other dialects.
talk however you want when your with people who wont care, but when the situation comes where you want to look intelligent you have to sound intelligent..
That is soooo true. I'm an English major in college and I've tutored hs kids they always say "axe". its true the parents and teachers are setting them up for failure!
You should fight for it . I am also using official English at university but when I come back to my friends I use polish . I was few times in California and I know how hard is to understand what Afroamericans are saying . Keep up the good work
It's fine to "speak casual" at home or with friends, but there also times when "standard English" is important. Everyone understands it. And then there are words that are either don't exist (like "edumacation" - spoken by a white Southerner) or are used incorrectly (as in "my dad is in prison, but mother and he have 'conjugation' visits" or "she bought a 'suit' of furniture".)
That's not to say that you can't acknowledge a prevalence of this illness among a given ethnic group, but for the sake of accuracy, it's important to acknowledge that non-blacks are also affected by this health problem example. The same logic should be applied to what you describe as "Black English".
I commend this man on wanting to educate children. My problem is that he teaches poor grammar is acceptable under relaxed circumstances. I think a person should enunciate properly all the time. It should be a lifelong habit.
Sometimes I tend to talk too fast so i have to catch myself and switch the code up a little bit theres a big difference between southern venacular and normal english.
Just on your comment on teachers correcting students in elementary school, I was never corrected in elementary school. In fact, I've seen that when teachers correct the English, the students are more likely to purposely speak in the manner the teacher does not want them to. Correction can be a bad pedagogical technique
So this is what its come to? Blacks need people to teach them how to pronounce simple three-letter words? What a damn shame. Even though this situation is disappointing, I respect this man for teaching blacks that there is a difference in grammar and language when you're talking to friends and when you're talking to an employer, cause I sure as hell wouldn't hire a person who spoke like Lil Wayne.
ok, code switch - Juwanza Kunjufu or Neely Fuller?? Also, the strategy you suggest was called double consciousness by web dubois and booker t washington...
You know Ive always told people that black english and / or ebonics was simply a dialect of english. Much like my southern accent is also a dialect of english.
i saw this guy on bbc news awhile ago very impessive,yeah ty talk to my fellow black africans best english spaekers or has you may call it chameleons of the language
I can give several examples of where this type of labelling is inaccurate. Assume that a particular health condition is more prevalent among those of African descent, would it be accurate to give this ailment a title with the word "black" in it? No, because it's inaccurate.
I think you'd be more accurate to not attach color to use of language. Black Americans are not the only people who say, "...gon go". Although they may make up a majority of the people using what you refer to as "Black English", it cannot be a pure monopoly.
I'd like to see the American dialect shift a lot more toward Black English. With the entire Spanish language integrated as well. Like the Japanese have done with English. They just added the whole English alphabet to their own and started teaching it in grammar school as just another part of "their language"
Life is competition. No matter what dumbed down vernacular you use it puts you at a disadvantage when competing for a job or a promotion. It’s a shame that these students had been allowed to pass without being taught how to speak in an intelligible manner. Its not their fault though, our wonderful government schools and liberal policy making were designed to do this to black America. Every major city in America is controlled by democrats. Hows that working?
if you happen to mispronounce something, you are wrong, the school system works in the english language, not dialects, thus if we try to be sensible to the way every single american speaks, then we cannot have a functioning society. People should learn to use their language correctly and any excuse for not doing so is mediocrity and not culture.
Also, just saying, when I first saw the youtube video of you teaching a group of kids how to say ask vs. ax I have to say I was a bit offended. I became offended by the title of your book, and I was offended in the first half of your interview. I understand 100% what you're trying to do, but I don't think you give off a good first impression, so you might try to work on that
I respect your opinion Mr. McClendon, and you present it in a non-threatening way, but there's no theoretical reason why AAVE (African-American vernacular English) should not be used. A "standard English" language does not exist, as all language is variable, shown by the hundreds of dialects alone you can find in this country. People want to say speaking AAVE means your dumb as a way to continue racism against African-Americans, intentionally or unintentionally.
@garrardmc Except that you're struggling for equality. Equality would mean that black people can speak black English in all situations without being discriminated against.
Garrard: I think the book would be much more appropriate if you didn't label the book as "Black English", considering that so many colors of people speak that way. Although you state that black Americans are the most affected (negatively) by using improper/formal Enlgish, why not try to be more inclusive with the title of the book? Aren't all Americans without the skills to speak English professionally, regardless of color, your target for improvement with your teachings?
African Americans are scrutinized more. For instance, "gonna" is not considered standard, but is accepted by mainstream Americans. "Gon" with a long "o" in "I'm gon go to the store" is considered unacceeptable and more prone to correction. Why? They're both incorrect. Black English is always considered sub-standard, before other dialects.
Thanks for the compliment...just trying to do my part in the struggle for freedom and equality.
Keep YouTubing.
Garrard
this guy is awesome! he's answering everything really fast! he KNOWS what he's talking about he make makes sense. more power to you, mr. mcclendon.
This guy is doing a great job, he is teaching them that presentation matters, which it absolutely does.
I am shocked that blacks are calling him a racist, only in this day and age would a dedicated teacher be accused of racism for trying to improve the chances of teenagers and even adults of landing good jobs.
No good deed goes unpunished.
Garrard, you have many great points, but the thing is, many black people can't speak english traditionally as a result of poor educational exposure, and so even though other black people can "Switch it on and off" doesn't mean that they should. When they go back to their communities and switch ebonics back "on", then they are effectively perpetuating the incorrect usage of the english language towards those who can't speak english correctly by choice. They need to teach their fellows correctly
Thanks Nate...
Right on, great interview.
You know, I was raised not only in an environment, but in a home where Standard English was used. First of all, the guy most definitely sounds black. In other words he has that twang in his voice and that's OK. You can still use proper "grammar" and be who you are. I may not sound black because I just was not raised in a black environment, and I have not forgotten where my roots are. I am absolutely proud and will be forever more of my heritage! Knowledge is king and practice makes permanent!
This guy is my hero
Also , like one of my favorite comedians, Dave Chappelle said..."Black people speak ebonics and we speak "job interview". Lol
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Albeit an expatriate since 2000, This Chicagoan is VERY honoured to have Mr. Garrard as a fellow Windy City Denizen! He is telling it like it REALLY is! The sad thing is (I know you've heard it all before..) the 'acting White/selling out' bit in re : peer pressure is SO prevalent...TOO prevalent to-day.. (I used to get that ALOT!) Only when one leaves that selfdestructive mindset can Black Americans get the dignity & respect they should strive to earn..
Two words to Mr. Garrard : YOU **RULE!!**
African Americans are scrutinized more. For instance, "gonna" is not considered standard, but is accepted by mainstream Americans. "Gon" with a long "o" in "I'm gon go to the store" is considered unacceeptable and more prone to correction. Why? They're both incorrect. Black English is always considered sub-standard, before other dialects.
This guy is a BOSS
You are doing a good thing, Mr. McClendon.
Do these children not read? Surely students acquire language structure reading books at school.
Great video! Thanks for sharing.
He is right.
Well done (and well stated) Brother Gerrard McClendon! I agree with you wholeheartedly. Keep up the great work!
talk however you want when your with people who wont care, but when the situation comes where you want to look intelligent you have to sound intelligent..
That is soooo true. I'm an English major in college and I've tutored hs kids they always say "axe". its true the parents and teachers are setting them up for failure!
You should fight for it . I am also using official English at university but when I come back to my friends I use polish . I was few times in California and I know how hard is to understand what Afroamericans are saying . Keep up the good work
We should think of it more in terms of the Formal and Informal forms of English, just like the Usted and Tu forms of Spanish.
It's fine to "speak casual" at home or with friends, but there also times when "standard English" is important. Everyone understands it. And then there are words that are either don't exist (like "edumacation" - spoken by a white Southerner) or are used incorrectly (as in "my dad is in prison, but mother and he have 'conjugation' visits" or "she bought a 'suit' of furniture".)
Wish more African Americans had your attitude, Garrard.
I'm a fan... you know, Canada is lightyears ahead of the US with respect to this... something I hate to admit as an American lol
Yes indeed...Dunbar (We wear the mask), W.E.B. (The Veil)...
That's not to say that you can't acknowledge a prevalence of this illness among a given ethnic group, but for the sake of accuracy, it's important to acknowledge that non-blacks are also affected by this health problem example. The same logic should be applied to what you describe as "Black English".
I commend this man on wanting to educate children. My problem is that he teaches poor grammar is acceptable under relaxed circumstances. I think a person should enunciate properly all the time. It should be a lifelong habit.
He is absolutly right...cold swith...read too JOHN MCWORTHER...respect yourself...please...
Sometimes I tend to talk too fast so i have to catch myself and switch the code up a little bit theres a big difference between southern venacular and normal english.
Just on your comment on teachers correcting students in elementary school, I was never corrected in elementary school. In fact, I've seen that when teachers correct the English, the students are more likely to purposely speak in the manner the teacher does not want them to. Correction can be a bad pedagogical technique
So this is what its come to? Blacks need people to teach them how to pronounce simple three-letter words? What a damn shame.
Even though this situation is disappointing, I respect this man for teaching blacks that there is a difference in grammar and language when you're talking to friends and when you're talking to an employer, cause I sure as hell wouldn't hire a person who spoke like Lil Wayne.
ok, code switch - Juwanza Kunjufu or Neely Fuller?? Also, the strategy you suggest was called double consciousness by web dubois and booker t washington...
You know Ive always told people that black english and / or ebonics was simply a dialect of english. Much like my southern accent is also a dialect of english.
garrardmc- can you explain what you mean by "struggle for freedom and equality"?
i saw this guy on bbc news awhile ago very impessive,yeah ty talk to my fellow black africans best english spaekers or has you may call it chameleons of the language
I can give several examples of where this type of labelling is inaccurate. Assume that a particular health condition is more prevalent among those of African descent, would it be accurate to give this ailment a title with the word "black" in it? No, because it's inaccurate.
i'll bet any money that this is a movie in the making with Denzel Washington headlining it.
I think you'd be more accurate to not attach color to use of language. Black Americans are not the only people who say, "...gon go". Although they may make up a majority of the people using what you refer to as "Black English", it cannot be a pure monopoly.
I'd like to see the American dialect shift a lot more toward Black English. With the entire Spanish language integrated as well. Like the Japanese have done with English. They just added the whole English alphabet to their own and started teaching it in grammar school as just another part of "their language"
What's wrong with speaking correctly all the time?
Life is competition. No matter what dumbed down vernacular you use it puts you at a disadvantage when competing for a job or a promotion. It’s a shame that these students had been allowed to pass without being taught how to speak in an intelligible manner. Its not their fault though, our wonderful government schools and liberal policy making were designed to do this to black America. Every major city in America is controlled by democrats. Hows that working?
I will start believe in american people.
if you happen to mispronounce something, you are wrong, the school system works in the english language, not dialects, thus if we try to be sensible to the way every single american speaks, then we cannot have a functioning society. People should learn to use their language correctly and any excuse for not doing so is mediocrity and not culture.
Also, just saying, when I first saw the youtube video of you teaching a group of kids how to say ask vs. ax I have to say I was a bit offended. I became offended by the title of your book, and I was offended in the first half of your interview. I understand 100% what you're trying to do, but I don't think you give off a good first impression, so you might try to work on that
Don't say 'bidness' say business, don't say excetera ..say et cetera
don't say Gover ment, say Govern ment ;-D every little helps
I respect your opinion Mr. McClendon, and you present it in a non-threatening way, but there's no theoretical reason why AAVE (African-American vernacular English) should not be used. A "standard English" language does not exist, as all language is variable, shown by the hundreds of dialects alone you can find in this country. People want to say speaking AAVE means your dumb as a way to continue racism against African-Americans, intentionally or unintentionally.
im brazilian...american too (south america)...english is not may 1st language...like 99% of the world...sorry.
...code swith...sorry
@garrardmc Except that you're struggling for equality. Equality would mean that black people can speak black English in all situations without being discriminated against.
Garrard: I think the book would be much more appropriate if you didn't label the book as "Black English", considering that so many colors of people speak that way. Although you state that black Americans are the most affected (negatively) by using improper/formal Enlgish, why not try to be more inclusive with the title of the book? Aren't all Americans without the skills to speak English professionally, regardless of color, your target for improvement with your teachings?
African Americans are scrutinized more. For instance, "gonna" is not considered standard, but is accepted by mainstream Americans. "Gon" with a long "o" in "I'm gon go to the store" is considered unacceeptable and more prone to correction. Why? They're both incorrect. Black English is always considered sub-standard, before other dialects.