Final answer:
James Baldwin views the label 'dialect' as insulting when applied to the language spoken by Black Americans because it implies inferiority. Language can give power by allowing self-expression, but can also limit power when marginalized. Language is the 'key to identity' as it reflects culture, history, and heritage.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a dialect is a regional form of a language that is distinguished by features of vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. A language, on the other hand, is a system of words, sounds, and patterns used by a community to communicate. James Baldwin views the label 'dialect' as insulting when applied to the language spoken by Black Americans because it implies that their way of speaking is inferior or less valid than standard English. He argues that Black English is a distinct language with its own rules and nuances.
Baldwin believes that language gives power by allowing individuals to express themselves and to have their experiences acknowledged. However, it can also limit power when certain dialects or languages are marginalized or deemed inadequate. In paragraph 4, Baldwin explains that language serves as the 'key to identity' because it reflects a person's culture, history, and heritage. By devaluing or dismissing a particular language or dialect, society can undermine the identity and worth of the individuals who speak it.
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