In Barbara Mellix’s chronicle of her struggles to master the transition from “black English” to “standard English” she explains that the struggle is not only over language, but her views about herself as well. Mellix transitioned between “black” and “standard” English easily as a child; she was raised to understand the use of “black” English was reserved for close friends and family, whereas “standard” English was expected when in the company of whites and the “proper” relatives. She expressed the ease of using “proper” English in the workforce as well, learning from her co-workers and customer letters.
It wasn’t until Mellix enrolled in her first college English course that she had feelings of inadequacy and expressed doubt in her ability to master the language of the “others”. Assimilating her writing required her to work to practice a language she was not comfortable with.” Mellix felt as if she had to abandon part of herself and her past; she claims, “I had the sensation of being split in two, part of me going into a future the other part didn’t believe possible.” As she progressed through her course, she became confident in her writing and herself. Through the assimilation process from “black English” to “standard English” Mellix not only became a stronger writer, she found a way to become a stronger person by finding her own voice as a writer.
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I feel that Barbara Melix is trying to let others know that persuaing the transition of standard english to black english is not an easy task. She lets us know that this language is a battle but she is going through her own battle. In most african american communities, "black english" is mostly used in that atmosphere. "Standard english" is formal and used more by whites.
Once Mellix was comfortable within herself after finding who she was in college she let her writing do the talking. She finally said that it does not matter how others feel, and staying true to herself is what put her in a more comfortable position to work. She became more confident in herself and that made her work a lot better.
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