>African American Vernacular English (AAVE), the dialect of most African Americans in the United States, is derived from Classical Southern, and shares its main features and many other features. However, it also has a number of distinctive features. I have not generally included AAVE in this study, since its geographical distribution tends to be independent of “white” dialects, primarily because after the Civil War large numbers of former slaves moved to all parts of the U.S., and tended to form their own communities, retaining their unique dialect. However, in many areas of the Lowland South no such migration occurred, and in these areas AAVE and “white” dialects share features and clearly have developed together, so in these areas I have sometimes included AAVE samples. AAVE tends to retain r-dropping more than “white” dialects do, even among younger speakers, and throughout the United States in African American communities.
>I have not generally included AAVE in this study, since its geographical distribution tends to be independent of “white” dialects
This is like saying, "I have not included black history in this survey of American history, as it tends to be independent of "white" history.
>primarily because after the Civil War large numbers of former slaves moved to all parts of the U.S.
Mass movement of American blacks out of the South occurred in the early 20th century; the Great Migration was spurred not by the Civil War, directly, but instead by mass terror.
>and tended to form their own communities
They were forced into small communities, largely into poor conditions or predatory housing arrangements, and generally barred from entering white communities except as menial labor.
AAVE is one of the most important American dialects. It's had a major influence on American cultural output, and has done so for more than a one hundred years. It's also itself heavily influenced by West African speech patterns, miraculously preserved despite centuries of persecution of its speakers. Rick, if you're reading this: you need to do better. Your work is unfortunately incomplete and inadequate without giving AAVE it's just due. I would suggest contacting subject-matter experts for guidance and revising this page appropriately. Some suggestions:
https://adwhiteprofessors.cornell.edu/professors-at-large/jo... https://coe.arizona.edu/person/sonja-lanehart