In this course, students would learn about the history and development of African American English (AAE), one of the most well-known varieties of English in the U.S., but also one whose speakers experience significant discrimination. What can the language of Black communities in DC tell us about important issues both locally and nationally? Given that gentrification and displacement of Black communities has proceeded rapidly in DC, how do these social factors impact language change? And how does African American English vary by class, education, and neighborhood in the district itself in 2025? In this course, students would participate in a community-based linguistic description project, interviewing fellow students, neighbors, and local leaders to better understand how AAE has changed over time and how it is being used today in DC.