Black English

contrary to the stereotypes, Black English is not substandard English; it is a separate linguistic system, although it shares much of its vocabulary, phonology, and syntax with standard English (Francine Frank and Frank Anshen, Language and the Sexes). Children who use Black English (also known as Ebonics, from a contraction of "ebony" and "phonics") are encouraged to understand that they are as intelligent and verbally skilled as anyone else (especially since they are familiar with two language systems) but that they will need to perfect their standard English to function effectively in a society that is based on it. "One subtle example of continued racism is 'standard' language, culture, art, and literature, which stigmatizes alternative approaches to expression" (Jane H. Hill, The Everyday Language of White Racism).