Prior research has shown a common belief that there is only one correct form of English. However, no one actually speaks the idealized “standard English” that everyone believes in. “The only place where English really exists is in the mind of its speakers (Freuhwald).” Instead, everyone speaks in a different dialect. Nothing is inherently wrong with dialects, but people view them as improper. African American English (also known as AAE, AAVE, or Eubonics) is often considered to be poor English, and people that speak it are often viewed as less intelligent. However, it has its own history, logic, and grammar (Birch, 538). Both Black and White English follow specific systems, but the system of Black English is not apparent to those who do not use it (Myhill, 38). In fact, perceptions about accents and dialects can vary between cultures. An accent that is considered low class in one culture may be considered upper class in another culture (Nguyen, 1335). This further demonstrates that our opinions about accents or dialects are arbitrary. …show more content…
Ongoing studies indicate that people link dialects to social class, and the accents that are considered the most ugly are associated with socially disadvantaged people (Freuhwald). This prejudice began in history. For example, the East Midland dialect, which was spoken by educated people in London and Cambridge, became the written dialect because it belonged to the upper class, and they controlled society (Birch, 536). Today, people in power continue to control language standards. The group of people with the most power is considered “correct” with respect to their English. Previous studies have evaluated that this discrimination began in history, but it is being supported today as