Smitherman

SUMMARY
     In this article, Geneva Smitherman describes the use of the english language and its constant adaptations in society. Her main point is the arguments over "Black English" and how this is considered incorrect grammar. She also describes how this is considered wrong based on class rank. The african american culture and language is described to be grammatically incorrect when in reality it was once considered correct. When other authors describe why this is wrong the come off as racist and believe they have authority over this culture. The point of this article is another description into how the english language is constantly changing based on society.

The connections I make in this article to the other articles we have read is the changing of our language. It transforms as our society does. New words are added to the dictionary every year. It is amazing how much we have changed in 200 years. I mean reading the Declaration of Independence is difficult to some in today's society. In wednesday's reading we discussed how grammar should be used when in this article we learn how there are many ways of "correct" english.

Sloppy incorrect writing can refer to many things. One thing the author describes is the use of a sentence with no specific supportive details. The writing this college student portrays is technically correct grammar but the teacher is only looking at the "correctness" according to society's norms. The student should be graded based on the amount of information and how he felt rather than only grading him on "correct grammar".

I really enjoyed reading this article. The random use of Black English throughout the article allowed Smitherman to put in personal touches and to get her point across. I also liked the personal note moments. These were not only comical but they kept me glued to the writing. A piece I especially enjoyed was when she referred to english as "schizophrenic" based on class. Smitherman wrote on a personal level that I enjoyed reading but also described her position very well.