LEXICO-GRAMMATICAL ANALYSIS OF BLACK ENGLISH AND WHITE ENGLISH IN THE MOVIE AKEELAH AND THE BEE

Abstract

This study aims at describing the lexico-grammatical features that differentiate Black English from White English as well as investigating the features of English used by both black people and white people in the movie Akeelah and the Bee. Descriptive design and qualitative approach were used to achieve the research aims. Data were collected through documentation method and analyzed by using qualitative data analysis technique. Data were listed, classified, analyzed, discussed, and summarized at the end. It was found a total of 82 data indicating the features that differentiate Black English from White English. Among those data, 45.1% data showed the use of slang, 24.4% data showed the use of optional auxiliary be, 14.6% data indicated the use of multiple negation, 6.1% data indicated the use of identical singular and plural verb forms, 4.9% data showed the use of aspectual markers: be, BIN, dən, 2.4% data showed the use of specific phrases, and 2.4% data indicated the use of negative inversion. Meanwhile, 11 data were found in regards to the features that were used by both black people and white people in the movie. Among those data, 81.8% data showed the use of slang, 9.1% data indicated the use of specific word, and 9.1% data showed the use of optional auxiliary be. The findings indicated that Black English has its own lexico-grammatical features which make it distinct from White English. However, there were some features of Black English which are used in White English. Keywords: Black English, White English, lexico-grammar