Black American English (BAE)

Black American English (BAE) is a legitimate, culturally rooted, and rule-governed dialect of American English that developed historically within Black American communities. It possesses its own consistent grammar, pronunciation patterns, vocabulary, and cultural expressions. Linguists recognize BAE as a fully developed and systematic variety of English—not as “slang,” “broken English,” or “incorrect English.” BAE is shaped by Black Americans’ linguistic heritage and the history of Black communities in the United States. As an ongoing cultural innovation, BAE functions both as a mode of communication and as a marker of identity, community, and artistic expression. Its distinct phonological, syntactic, and lexical features reflect the influence of Black American linguistic traditions, shaped by the sociopolitical conditions of enslavement and segregation, as well as the continuous creativity within Black American culture. Like any other recognized English dialect, BAE follows internally consistent grammatical rules and serves as a symbol of cultural identity, solidarity, and resilience. It has also significantly influenced broader American English through its impact on music, literature, slang, and digital communication.

Many linguists argue that Black American English (BAE) should be taught and understood as a legitimate dialect with its own rules rather than dismissed as informal speech.

by Jamel Flyte November 15, 2025