The Effects of Black English and Code-Switching on Intraracial Perceptions

Abstract

One hundred thirty African American subjects listened to audiotapes of vernacular speech patterns. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of three groups. Group I heard a Black English (BE) speaking person, Group 2 heard a codeswitching (CS) speaker, and Group 3 heard a Standard English (SE) speaking person. The content was the same in BE, SE, and CS scenarios, varying only in speech patterns. Subjects were then asked to complete an Interpersonal Evaluation Inventory (IEI) for the respective speaker Two additional items assessed how much the subject would want to get to know the model and how much the subject would want to work with that model on a committee. The results indicated that the SE model was rated as more likable than either the BE or CS model, that no significant difference existed in ratings of BE and CS speakers, and that male subjects rated models as more likable than did female subjects regardless of vernacular In addition, subjects also expressed a greater desire to work with the SE model than with either the BE or CS model. It was also found that male subjects expressed a greater desire than female subjects to get to know the speakers and to work with them on a committee. The implications of thefindings were discussed.