ebonics debate

About ten years ago the Oakland school district came under fire because they had proposed to teach their inner city school children in Ebonics.

"Ebonics" as listed in the Princeton University dictionary, is defined as:
n : a nonstandard form of American English spoken by some Black people in the United States

((in other news, "ebonics" is listed in the Princeton University dictionary.))

This caught some shit and national media coverage because of the debate: why teach ebonics in school, when that's the place that you're supposed to learn proper english? It's a good debate.

On one hand, although not the official language of the United States, english is spoken by the majority of our citizens, and schools are charged with teaching its proper usage.

On the other hand, how is a student supposed to be able to understand his or her instructors if he or she cannot fully understand what is being said or taught to them? Wouldn't it make more sense to speak to the children in a language that everyone in the classroom can understand? Wouldn't that be a better way of actually reaching the children and teaching them something?

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Allegedly, Oakland is very much involved with ebonics. I ran across this site where an Oakland High School student allegedly won an ebonics translation contest by deciphering Notorious B.I.G's cut One More Chance into the standard english spoken by white people in blue states.

as follows...

Lyrics
First things first, I poppa, freaks all the honeys/Dummies - playboy bunnies, those wantin’ money/Those the ones I like ‘cause they don’t get nathan’/But penetration, unless it smells like sanitation/Garbage, I turn like doorknobs/Heart throb, never, black and ugly as ever/However, I stay coochied down to the socks/Rings and watch filled with rocks

TRANSLATION
As a general rule, I perform deviant sexual acts with women of all kinds, including but not limited to those with limited intellect, nude magazine models, and prostitutes. I particularly enjoy sexual encounters with the latter group as they are generally disappointed in the fact that they only receive penile intercourse and nothing more, unless of course, they douche on a consistent basis. Although I am extremely unattractive, I am able to engage in these types of sexual acts with some regularity. Perhaps my sexuality is somehow related to my fancy and expensive jewelry.

Lyrics
First I talk about how I dress and this/And diamond necklaces - stretch Lexuses/The sex is just immaculate from the back I get/Deeper and deeper - help ya reach the/Climax that your man can’t make/Call and tell him you’ll be home real late/Let’s sing the break

TRANSLATION
I prefer to open the conversation with light banter about my wardrobe and jewelry, then I like to discuss my collection of expensive cars. This is more than enough to convince you to have sexual intercourse with me. I am able to insert my penis further into you when I enter you from behind. Furthermore, you will be able to reach orgasm. I understand this to be a problem with your current sexual partner. He needn’t be concerned about your whereabouts. Please phone him and inform him that you won’t be home for a while. By the way, please sing the chorus of the song for me also.

Lyrics
She’s sick of that song on how it’s so long/Thought he worked his until I handled my biz/There I is - major pain like Damon Wayans/Low down dirty even like his brother Keenan/Schemin’ - don’t bring your girl ‘round me/True player for real, ask Puff Daddy

TRANSLATION
Your current love interest no longer wishes to hear your fabrications about the length of your member. After I had sexual intercourse with your woman, she became enlightened as to the proper way it is supposed to be performed; violently and immorally. It would be in your best interest to keep your woman away from me as my sexual prowess is very strong. If you are unconvinced, ask Puff Daddy.

Lyrics
You - ringin’ bells with bags from Chanel/Baby Benz, traded in your Hyundai Excel/Fully equipped, CD changer with the cell/She beeped me, meet me at twelve

TRANSLATION
Despite the fact that you attempted to win her at her doorstep with bags full of expensive clothes and a car (the lower end model Mercedes Benz which you financed by signing over your current vehicle) containing an expensive stereo and a cellular phone, your woman has contacted me through my pager indicating that we should rendezvous at midnight.

Lyrics
Where you at? Flippin’ jobs, playin’ car notes?/While I’m swimmin’ in ya women like the breast stroke/Right stroke, left stroke what’s the best stroke/Death stroke - tongue all down her throat/Nuthin’ left to do but send her home to you/I’m through - can ya sing the song for me, boo?

TRANSLATION
You, on the other hand, jump from job to job, barely able to maintain payments on the Mercedes Benz you purchased for your woman. Meanwhile, I continue to engage in sexual intercourse and commit lewd osculatory acts with your women. My only remaining option is to request that she leave my home and return to you because I have reached orgasm and no longer have a need for her presence.

Lyrics
So, what’s it gonna be? Him or me?/We can cruise the world with pearls/Gator boots for girls/The envy of all women, crushed linen/Cartier wrist-wear with diamonds in ‘em/The finest women I love with a passion/Ya man’s a wimp, I give that ass a good thrashin’

TRANSLATION
The ultimate decision rests with you. Whom do you choose as your sexual partner. I can take you on cruises around the world. I will dress you in the finest jewelry and footwear. You will be envied by women worldwide in your fine clothes and jewelry. There is a special place in my heart for beautiful women. I will defeat your man in an altercation because he is effeminate.

Lyrics
High fashion - flyin’ into all states./Sexin’ me while your man masturbates./Isn’t this great? Your flight leaves at eight./Her flight lands at nine, my game just rewinds./Lyrically I’m supposed to represent./I’m not only the client, I’m the player president

TRANSLATION
You will be dressed in finest clothes on the runways of Paris. I will fly you to every state to shop for fine clothes and jewelry. You will enjoy sexual intercourse with me and your man will be forced to pleasure himself through manual stimulation. What a life! I’ll return you to LaGuardia in time to catch your 8 o’clock flight. The timing is perfect because I have scheduled a date with a second woman who arrives at the same gate at 9 o’clock. I’ll seduce her in the same way that I seduced you. I rap well and I am a positive reflection of my home town. Not only am I a sexually deviant, misogynistic, immoral, wealthy, male prostitute, but I also sit on the board of directors of the organization that governs others of my kind.

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see?

I went to college, and I can barely follow what B.I.G. is saying in his lyrics, but the translation makes perfect sense.

This is the division: one that separates us culturally. I vote for ebonics in all public schools where the children are more comfortable with this expression of language.