Problem:
After reading the essay/article out of Writing Memphis, "From the Hood to the Amen Corner," (pp. 389-406) by Geneva Smitherman, I would like you to respond to the following questions as we engage dialogue this week on rhetorical traditions. The author defines African American English (AAE) or African American Vernacular English (AAVE). Discuss how the author's experiences within her community are reflected by the discourses she speaks. What is her definition of AAE? Moreover, the author discusses how a rhetorical tradition (a discourse or a dialect) reflects community and carries with a purpose. What are some of the social purposes of AAE that Smitherman identifies? Discuss at least two social purposes of AAE. How do these purposes relate to history and lived/shared communal experiences? Example: her discussion of "signifying" in the black community or her discussion on the role of the black church and language would both be considered examples of AAE and social purpose (and, yes, you may use these two as your examples if you chose). Lastly, what rhetorical tradition do you belong to? If you are not sure which rhetorical tradition you belong to or what to call it then describe it to us, give examples, and define.