Terminology in Child African American Language Matters: Verbal /s/ and Code Shifting

Abstract

The purpose of this clinical seminar is to clarify terminology and promote accurate understanding of linguistic concepts and use of related terminology among speech-language pathologists, linguists, educators, researchers, and interdisciplinary teams. In this paper, we clarify two phenomena, verbal /s/ and code shifting that have been used in both child and adult African American Language (AAL) literature, and explain the implications that clarifications have for more careful descriptions of child AAL. In addition, we highlight aspectual forms and variable use of constructions in caregiver speech as a means of exemplifying patterns of variation in children's input that should be taken into consideration in their development of AAL. The paper concludes with implications and recommendations for assessment and future research.

Keywords

African American Language - verbal /s/ - shifting - assessment

Publication History

Article published online:
18 November 2025

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