Intro to AAVE Class Five: AAVE in Literature and Media

In our fifth class of the Introduction to AAVE series, we explore the deep cultural impact of African American Vernacular English (AAVE) in literature, music, and film. AAVE has long been a powerful tool for storytelling, self-expression, and resistance, shaping some of the most influential artistic works in American history.

AAVE in Literature

From the groundbreaking narratives of Zora Neale Hurston to the contemporary voices of Jesmyn Ward and Kiese Laymon, AAVE has been a defining feature of Black literature. Writers use it to preserve oral traditions, capture authentic dialogue, and challenge linguistic elitism. We’ll discussed some texts that highlight AAVE’s role in shaping character voice and cultural identity.'

AAVE in Music

Hip-hop, blues, jazz, and R&B have all served as cultural vehicles for AAVE, allowing Black artists to express struggle, joy, and resilience. We’ll traced AAVE’s influence from the poetic storytelling of the blues to the intricate wordplay of modern rap, showing how artists like Tupac, Lauryn Hill, and Kendrick Lamar have transformed AAVE into a global linguistic force.

AAVE in Film

Hollywood has a complicated history with AAVE—sometimes celebrating its authenticity, other times misrepresenting it. From Do the Right Thing to Moonlight, we examined films that use AAVE to portray real-life Black experiences. We’ll also critiqued how mainstream media often appropriates or distorts AAVE, reinforcing stereotypes instead of honoring its depth.

AAVE is more than slang—it’s a cultural marker, a historical archive, and a linguistic testament to Black creativity.