Language Science Lunch Talk: Shenika Hankerson (TLPL)

Understanding How African American Language (AAL) Discrimination Impacts AAL Speakers’ Writing Success and Well-Being: A Conversation with Shenika Hankerson

Abstract: A considerable amount of sociolinguistic scholarship has extensively described the linguistic (e.g., phonological, lexical, and syntactical) and stylistic (e.g., rhythm, tone, and other rhetorical genres) features of the African American speech community. Despite this knowledge, along with national resolutions, declarations, policy statements, and action plans affirming the legitimacy of AAL (e.g., 1997 LSA Resolution on the Oakland "Ebonics" Issue, 2021 CCCC Position Statement on Ebonics), linguistic discrimination toward AAL still exists. 

In this LSC lunch talk, we will delve into the issue of AAL discrimination and examine its effects on AAL speakers, with a particular emphasis on AAL speakers in US writing classrooms. We will also explore “best practice” approaches for disrupting AAL discrimination and promoting AAL speakers’ writing success and well-being. Participants are invited to share their own experiences and ask questions during this LSC lunch talk.

Bio: Dr. Shenika Hankerson is an Assistant Professor of Applied Linguistics and Language Education in the Department of Teaching and Learning, Policy and Leadership at the University of Maryland-College Park. Her research explores the intersection of race, language, and equity, with a focus on African American Language (AAL) and college writing.

Read more about Shenika Hankerson

Relevant Papers:

Hankerson, S. (2022). “Why can’t writing courses be taught like this fo real”: Leveraging critical language awareness to promote African American Language speakers’ writing skills: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jslw.2022.100919

Hankerson, S. (2023). “The world has to stop discriminating against African American Language” (AAL): Exploring the language ideologies of AAL-speaking students in college writing: https://doi.org/10.1177/07410883221146484

Lunch served at 12:15 PM. Vegetarian options availalble. Let us know if you have other dietary restrictions!