Home > Events > LSLT: Shenika Hankerson (TLPL)

LSLT: Shenika Hankerson (TLPL)

Time: 
Thursday, April 25, 2019 - 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM
Location: 
Language Science Center (2130 H.J. Patterson)

 

Shenika Hankerson (Assistant Professor, TLPL)

African American Language Explained: (Almost) Everything You Need to Know About Its History, Structure, and Evolution

Abstract: Research over the decades has shown that African American Language (AAL) is closely connected to African American life, identity, and culture (see, e.g., Baugh, 1983; Morgan, 2015; Smitherman, 1977). In this talk, I will survey the history, structure, and evolution of AAL. I will also draw on models of culturally sustaining pedagogies (Alim & Paris, 2017; Hankerson, 2017) to discuss methods for honoring and leveraging the lived linguistic experiences of AAL speakers in classroom settings. The talk will conclude by providing a bibliography of selected references for further study.

Bio: Shenika Hankerson is an Assistant Professor of Language, Literacy, and Social Inquiry in the Department of Teaching and Learning, Policy and Leadership (TLPL) at UMD. Her research centers on issues of language, equity, and social justice, particularly, in relation to the writing of African American Language (AAL)-speaking students. She brings a breadth of knowledge and experiences to her research, including several years of experience working as an English educator and language activist in racially, ethnically, and linguistically diverse K-20 and community settings. Her most recent publications are “Black Voices Matter” (2017) and “‘I Love My African American Language. And Yours.’: Toward a Raciolinguistic Vision in Writing Studies” (forthcoming, 2019).