Summary Part V

Spoken Soul: pgs. 200-229

This last section of the book provides a summary of the major points and issues discussed in the previous sections. The authors provide their last thoughts on the topic of Spoken Soul and its importance to the African American community. Finally, they end the book by allowing the reader to reflect on their own view of Spoken Soul, rather than try to persuade them to support Spoken Soul over Standard English. The ending is meant to encourage readers to make an educated decision about Ebonics/Spoken Soul/ AAVE, and to inspire the next generation to continue on with the research into this issue.

Key Points reviewed in final summary:

1)      All language and dialects are systematic, rule governed, and create for a purpose.

2)      All languages and dialects are subject to social conditionings, different interpretations, and perceptions.

3)      Learn and become proficient in Standard English, but also remember embrace and to be proud of your cultural language.

4)      “Every shut eye ain’t alsleep, every good buy ain’t gone.” Things aren’t always so simple or what they may appear to be. It is up to us to be aware, to seek truth, and to be guided by wisdom.