Anthropology (ANTH) 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Most professional linguists regard Black English Vernacular (BEV), also known as African American Vernacular English (AAVE), as a dialect of American English. This classification is rooted in the recognition that BEV has systematic linguistic features, including unique phonology, grammar, and vocabulary that differentiate it from Standard American English while still sharing a fundamental basis with it.

Linguists understand dialects to be variants within a single language that arise due to social, geographical, or historical factors. BEV has deep cultural roots and is a legitimate linguistic system used by many African American communities. It embodies a rich history and cultural significance, reflecting the identity of its speakers.

In contrast, viewing BEV as a protolanguage would misrepresent its evolved linguistic structure, and considering it a distinct language would overlook its connection to American English. Regarding it as a linguistic anomaly implies that it deviates unfoundedly from language norms, which does not encapsulate its systematic nature and rule-governed behavior. Thus, the widespread consensus that BEV is a dialect acknowledges its complexities and the linguistic legitimacy it holds within the broader context of language studies.