Final answer:
The variations in African American English (AAVE) are governed by rules, making AAVE a legitimate linguistic system. This dialect is a structured form of English with unique features recognized by linguists.
Step-by-step explanation:
The variations in African American English (AAVE) are indeed predictable and governed by rules, making the statement true. AAVE encompasses a range of dialects with their own syntax, grammar, and tense system that are rule-governed and regular. This linguistic system has evolved from a combination of American Southern dialects and the historical experiences of African Americans. Despite misconceptions that AAVE is a form of 'slang' or 'bad grammar', it is a structured form of English with clever and distinct linguistic features that allow its speakers to convey meaning effectively in various social contexts. Linguists recognize AAVE as a legitimate linguistic system with its own grammatical patterns, showing that language can be highly innovative within specific cultural or ethnic groups.1