A variety of views on the legitimacy of Black English are discussed in terms of how it affects its users, especially in educational settings. (EH)

The educational practices and theories of linguists and educators concerning speakers of Black dialect are discussed in terms of three varying perspectives: (1) eradication; (2) bidialectalism; and, (3) appreciation of dialect differences. An arguement for the latter view is made and a list of suggestions relative to language instruction is…

An examination of the language of the disadvantaged, particularly black dialect, exploring the conflicting views of the deficit and difference model theorists. The necessity of distinguishing between meaning and structure is emphasized as a potential avenue of reconciliation for the two divergent perspectives. (EH)

Presents initial findings in a study of language use by preadolescent African-American male participants in a neighborhood sponsored Youth Basketball Association. Using data collected over a 30-month period in Chicago (Illinois), the study takes an ethnographic approach for exploring communicative competencies in oral and written language. (JB)