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Blogs by Tauria Kane
Yo Speak 101 8/31/2008 2:37:07 PM
Paying attention in English class might actually get you out of the hood. Hey, Tauria here,
Language is important except when opposite socio economic groups try to speak to one another. Look just because you have to learn proper English doesn't make you White.
Talking to all the knuckle head hoodies out there. Slang has its place but when looking for a job or speaking to someone with a higher academic I.Q., learn to speak properly AND comprehend what your saying.
Damon Wayans use to have this skit on IN LIVING COLOR where a black prisoner was "Educating" himself by throwing together crazy big words to sound intelligent but all he did was sound foolish. That was the point. (i.e. Let me extricate my quota on the basis of a triangulation) Total nonsense right? So I beg you, pay attention to your English teachers and get it right. Speak like you went to school, leave the slang in the hood and for those people with a 5th grade education.
Read an intelligent book. A political thriller, a Literary Classic, something on History, Science ect. There are Public Library's, bookstores like Barnes & Nobles everywhere, use it. This is what progress is about. As writers we need more intelligence in our stories. Granted not everyone is Shakespeare but don't talk down to your reader either. And White writers, please, please, please do not use slang to sound hip or cool unless your character is a Hood rat. If you dare speak this way please do your research. Anyway this is what I wanted to say for now. Later
