LOS ANGELES (AP) —Underneath the surface of “slang” and “dialects” lies a symphony of heritage, resilience, and lyrical genius. AAVE, Gullah, and Louisiana Creole, often misunderstood as mere variations, are vibrant vernaculars steeped in the rich tapestry of African American history. These languages, born from the crucible of slavery and discrimination, transcended oppression to become testaments to cultural identity, weaving threads of West African roots with threads of American experience.
Imagine the rhythmic sway of Gullah proverbs, carrying wisdom passed down through generations on Carolina Sea Islands. Hear the syncopated beats of Louisiana Creole, echoing the vibrant spirit of New Orleans’ joie de vivre. Feel the soulful cadence of AAVE, pulsating with the stories of struggle and triumph that define the African American experience.
These vernaculars are not just tools of communication; they are portals to understanding the complexities of Black history and identity. They challenge linguistic norms, forcing us to listen beyond surface assumptions and appreciate the unique beauty and power within.
And now, there is a wonderful wave of renewed interest, curiosity, and, most importantly, pride in using AAVE/Ebonics idioms, phrases and colloquialisms. Especially among the youth. It’s so exciting to see AAVE/Ebonics making a comeback, with online marketplaces like Ebonictees, a black owned Denver startup, leading the charge! Taking a page from HipHop’s long lasting journey, the team at Ebonictees hopes to forge the language even further into the World’s vernacular usage. All along firmly in belief that what they are bringing forth is not racial/cultural appropriation, but instead racial/cultural appreciation.
From Maya Angelou’s poignant prose infused with AAVE to Beyoncé’s anthems pulsing with Creole rhythms, these languages are finding their rightful place in the literary and musical landscapes of America. The tide is turning, and vernaculars once deemed “inferior” are now recognized as vital threads in the fabric of American culture.
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So, the next time you hear the melodic flow of Gullah storytelling, the infectious groove of Louisiana Creole, or the rhythmic poetry of AAVE, remember: you’re not just listening to words, you’re witnessing the echoes of history, the pulse of resilience, and the vibrant symphony of a rich cultural heritage.
Visit Ebonictees at ebonictees.com
Andrea Pimpini is a student of Economics and Management at the University of Chieti-Pescara and, from September 2022 to February 2023, he is also an Erasmus+ student at the University of Split (Faculty of Economics, Business and Tourism). Andrea has also taken three courses offered by the prestigious CERGE-EI Foundation and, being a Japanese language enthusiast, has taken two courses provided by the Japan-Abruzzo Association. In 2022, Andrea took the courses “Music Business Foundations,” “Copyright Law in the Music Business” and “Building your career in music: Developing a brand and financing your music” offered by Berklee Online on Coursera.org.
A big hobby of Andrea’s is music and, thanks to his college and web experiences, he manages everything on his own (print and radio promotion, digital marketing, etc.). Media success is not long in coming: in 2020, live streams are shared on national newspapers such as Sky TG24, alongside well-known names from the Italian music scene (Modà, Francesco Renga, Nek, etc.). In 2021, Billboard places Andrea at the top of a chart for 3 consecutive weeks. Finally, in 2022, Il Messaggero, one of the most popular and best-selling newspapers in Italy, interviews Andrea.
