Module 2 – Richard E. McDorman

The Pronunciation of African-American English (AAE)

During this second module of the course, participants will learn about the phonology of African-American English. Participants will understand how the sounds of African-American English differ from those of Standard English.

Module 2 Summary (Slides)

The Module 2 summary includes concise information that highlights key points and will guide participants through the module. The summary clearly indicates how much time will be spent on each component and activity.

This module’s estimated workload: 8 to 10 hours

Module 2 Learning Objectives

After completing this module, participants will:

Refresh their understanding of the terms phonetics and phonology
Learn about how the vowel sounds of AAE differ from those of SE:

Monophthongization of /aɪ/
Lowering of /ɪ/ before /ŋ/
Lack of “happy tensing”
Merger of /ɛ/ and /ɪ/ before nasal consonants

3. Learn about how the consonant sounds of AAE differ from those of SE:

Sound patterns and th
Deletion of syllable-final /r/ (including social and regional variation)
Vocalization of /l/
Initial thr–
Initial skr–

4. Understand the most salient phonological processes in AAE that distinguish it from SE:

Final consonant sounds and consonant cluster reduction
Weakening/loss of word-final fricatives and affricates
Homophony in AAE due to consonant cluster reduction and weakening/loss of word-final fricatives and affricates
Loss of word-initial schwa

Essential Questions Addressed in Module 2

How does the pronunciation of AAE differ from that of SE?
What are the most significant differences in the vowel sounds of AAE and SE?
What are the most significant differences in the consonant sounds of AAE and SE?
What are the most salient phonological processes in AAE that distinguish it from SE?
How can knowledge of the phonology of AAE be used to answer students’ questions about the pronunciation of AAE?

Resources for Module 2

Module 2 Reading: African American English: A Linguistic Introduction (Green, 2002), Chapter 4 “Phonology of AAE” (pages 106-132)
Video: African American Vernacular English
Final Consonant Sounds and Homophony in AAE
Stunt 101 (Song by G -Unit)

Module 2 Activities

Module 2 Lesson Plan (180 minute presentation and discussion)

Presentation and Discussion

1. Introduction (10 minutes)
2. Review of the terms phonetics and phonology (10 minutes)
3. The vowel sounds of AAE (20 minutes)
4. The consonant sounds of AAE (20 minutes)
5. Activity 2.1: Overview of African-American English (20 minutes)
6. Phonological processes in AAE (20 minutes)
7. Activity 2.2: Final Consonant Sounds and Homophony in AAE (20 minutes)
8. Activity 2.3: Stunt 101 (Part 1) (30 minutes)
9. Applying knowledge of the vowel and consonant sounds of AAE when answering students’ questions (20 minutes)
10. Wrap-up, independent research project and study group assignments, and exit ticket (10 minutes)