Introduction – discuss in groups

1. Introduction – discuss in groups Why might we focus on the character Ali G in this module? What do know about him? What do you think about him?

2. Linguistic aspects Vocabulary influenced by Jamaican Creole Grammar and pronunciation also, but includes stigmatised forms associated with Southern British English

3. Who is Ali G? Real name: Sacha Baron Cohen Born: North London Ethnicity: ‘half Israeli, half Welsh’ - always described in the media as ‘Jewish’ Refused for a long time to give interviews, except as ‘Ali G’

4. But what is Ali G’s ethnicity? Black? Asian? ‘Wigger’? (white ‘wannabe’, imitating streetwise black people) Asian wannabe?

5. Who is he making fun of? Black, streetwise aficionados of ‘gangsta’ culture? White people who try to imitate members of this culture? British Asian / Asian British people who try to project this style?

6. Is Ali G a racist parody? Not strictly an issue of language BUT it is important. Simulated black vernacular sometimes produced with racist intent. Early 80s Britain, Hewitt observed 2 themes: • derisive parody • white appropriation of black language

7. Many conflicting views … Ali G mocks ethnic minorities – therefore he is racist. Ali G mocks members of the majority culture i.e. white – therefore his target is legitimate. But could that also be construed as racism? Ali G himself is not white – therefore even if he is thought to be mocking black people can he be accused of racism?

8. The language of Black British youth P. Gilroy (1987) Caribbean immigrants – seen as ‘West Indian’ and working class 2nd (and 3rd etc.) generation – new identity, both British and black, but lacking the strong links to the Caribbean; linguistic hallmark – ability to code-switch between Creole and ‘London English’ but ability to use Creole is imperfect whites’ use of Creole obviously even more imperfect

9. Ali G’s ‘Creole’ Deliberately makes it clear that he doesn’t have a good understanding of ‘real’ Creole Young British blacks with imperfect productive ability would still have good understanding Disagreement over ‘authenticity’ of Ali G’s style of speech Afro-Caribbean influence → ‘local multi-racial vernacular’ (Hewitt)

10. Features of Ali G’s ‘multi-racial vernacular’ Grammatical: Jamaican Creole pronoun forms – me and him as subject and possessive pronouns. Nonstandard verb agreement e.g. me was, I is Lexical: use of slang and taboo terms generally, especially taboo lexis of Caribbean origin, e.g. battyman ‘homosexual’, punani ‘female genitalia’ Phonological: a) forms associated with Caribbean Creole e.g. stopping of /D/: dis, datb) nonstandard, typically stigmatised forms associated with Southern British English, e.g. TH-fronting: fing, fank you

11. Clues as to ‘who’ Ali G is supposed to be … Urban adolescent language variety of SE England Basically, working-class London English with some Creole influences (Hewitt’s MRV) Ali G deliberately uses salient features associated with 2nd language Creole users BUT exhibits poor understanding – strong indication that he’s not Afro-Caribbean

12. Language on Ali G websites See handout

13. Conclusions Ali G breaks taboos and exploits uncertainties (and hypocrisies) Language plays a crucial role – both in the construction of the character and in creating a bond with the audience Not a parody of ‘Black English’ Represents an established style of speech