Black Language: The Research Variable.

There is justification for the study of black language to help improve language self-concepts in the black community and to assist in reducing the oppressions of black people. Research literature has generally centered on these approaches: (1) black language is an unsystematic, childlike linguistic system; (2) it is basically an extension of standard English and American usage; or (3) it is an extension of the West African linguistic systems. These approaches have inherent limitations. Future research should be done by those with skills in linguistics, sociolinguistics, and psycholinguistics, and by those who also have an interest in and commitment to the black community. Seven important areas for future research are: linguistic descriptions of black language usage, the historical development of black language, acquisition of language by black children, attitudes by whites toward black language, blacks' language attitudes and aspirations, changing negative attitudes toward black language, and black language usage as related to success in the educational system. (RN)