Final answer:
The statement about African American English being predictable and governed by rules is true. AAVE is recognized by linguists as a coherent, rule-governed dialect with its own grammar and syntax, countering misconceptions of it being unstructured slang.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement, "The variations common in African American English are predictable and governed by rules." is true. African American Vernacular English (AAVE), also known as Black English Vernacular or Ebonics, is not simply a collection of slang or incorrect grammar. It is a legitimate dialect that is rule-governed and has systematic characteristics such as its own syntax, grammar, and tense system. While it stems from the language patterns of African descendants in the United States and is influenced by American Southern dialects, AAVE has unique linguistic features like the omission of certain pronouns and the use of double negatives. These rules are predictable within the dialect's context.
It's important to acknowledge that language and its variations serve as a powerful identity marker within cultures and communities. Language variations like AAVE are often stigmatized and misunderstood; however, linguists affirm that AAVE is a coherent form of English with consistent rules and patterns. The evolution of language sometimes leads to changes in its formal recognition, as seen with the change from 'African American' to 'Black' by various professional organizations to better reflect a shared cultural experience.
Linguists argue that AAVE is as structured and rule-governed as any other dialect, countering misconceptions that it is a mere assemblage of random slang or incorrect grammar. Certain expressions and linguistic constructions within AAVE are both innovative and deeply rooted in the history and collective experience of Black Americans.