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The linguistic consequences of being a lame

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 December 2008

William Labov
William Labov
Affiliation:
University of Pennsylvania
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Abstract

The most uniform and characteristic variety of Black English is the grammar used by members of the vernacular culture in pre-adolescent and adolescent years: the ‘Black English Vernacular’. Less regular varieties which show the influence of other dialects, are used by isolated individuals within the community (‘lames’) who are less familiar with vernacular norms. Rules that are categorical for the vernacular are often variable for lames. Within the vernacular peer groups, core members show the most regular or frequent use of characteristic rules such as the deletion of is. Since most linguists grow up relatively isolated individuals within their own communities, it is important that they become aware of the linguistic consequences of being lame, and apply this knowledge in their methodology.

Who's the lame who says he knows the game

And where did he learn to play?

– The Fall

Type
Articles
Information
Language in Society , Volume 2 , Issue 1 , April 1973 , pp. 81 - 115
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1973

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