Language Attitudes Toward African American English Among College Students in Ohio

Abstract This study examines linguistics attitudes toward African American English (AAE) among college students at Cleveland State University in Ohio. It also explores AAE grammatical features that are commonly associated with African Americans in the U.S. This paper supports previous research that AAE should be accepted on its own terms, just as other linguistic codes within the U.S. English varieties. While this paper notes definitions and terms used to describe AAE, the primary focus explores its usage among college student at Cleveland State University and how it has helped to create a sense of identity, community, belonging, and positive affirmation. Given today’s political climate and cultural wars around the teaching of Black history, the validation of AAE among Black students is highly important if they are to thrive at predominately white institutions of higher learning.