Reverse Code Switching or Cultural Appropriation? The Use of African American Vernacular English (AAVE) Amongst White Individuals

Emily Abigail Hernandez

In the" Souls of Black Folk," sociologist W.E.B. DuBois first addressed the dual identity of Black individuals as both members of the Black race and citizens of the United States through the concept of double consciousness. Research has previously documented how Black individuals linguistically navigate their dual identities by either adapting or rejecting the use of Standard English (SE) through code switching and African American Vernacular English (AAVE). While previous research outlines the use of code-switching on behalf of Black individuals from African American Vernacular English (AAVE) to Standard English (SE), not much research exists on “reverse code-switching.” Reverse code-switching occurs when White individuals switch from Standard English (SE) to African American Vernacular English (AAVE) in the presence of Black individuals and addresses the racial relations of the United States. This study will examine the functions of reverse code-switching, cultural appropriation, the misuse of African American Vernacular English (AAVE) amongst White individuals, and the sociological benefits and consequences of White individuals reverse code-switching.

• Emily Abigail Hernandez graduated from Wade Hampton High School in Greenville, South Carolina. She is currently a senior at Lander University double majoring in criminology and sociology with minors in pre-law and psychology. Her experience includes interning for the South Carolina Department of Corrections and the Greenwood County Community Foundation.