1. Open Access Kent State
  2. Literacy and Identity When Approximating African American Language on Social Network Sites
Author(s)
Abstract

This study includes responses from two sets of focus group participants, comprised of African American Language (AAL) interlocutors who communicate using digital AAL in online spaces. Participants shared their thoughts about language, identity, and research regarding AAL. Focus groups were recorded and transcribed so that topics could be coded and categorized. Five core topics emerged: 1) History of AAL, 2) Digital Composing Choices, 3) Digital Research Methods, 4) Racial Issues, and 5) Personal Stories. The data obtained from the focus groups sheds light on participants’ initial feelings of mistrust when discussing their language as well as their learned dislike for and unawareness of a language that they use every day.
Format
Article
Publication Date
2014-04-01
Publication Title
Journal of Literacy and Technology
Volume
15
Issue
1
First Page
55
Last Page
77
Keywords
Subject
Community
Department of English
Permalink https://oaks.kent.edu/engpubs/4
Cunningham, J. (2014). Literacy and Identity When Approximating African American Language on Social Network Sites. Journal of Literacy and Technology. https://oaks.kent.edu/node/1520
Cunningham, Jennifer. 2014. “Literacy and Identity When Approximating African American Language on Social Network Sites”. Journal of Literacy and Technology. https://oaks.kent.edu/node/1520.
Cunningham, J. Literacy and Identity When Approximating African American Language on Social Network Sites. Journal of Literacy and Technology, 1 Apr. 2014, https://oaks.kent.edu/node/1520.