Dr Alex Baratta from the University of Manchester visited English language students to present his lecture on 'Respecting Linguistic Diversity'.

'Ebonics' often describes the dialect spoken by African Americans. It is a vernacular form of the English language that is distinctly unique. 

As part of their A-Level course in English Language, students explore various modules including the spoken language of the media and written language. Dr Baratta's visit to the college allowed the students to explore an area of language studies that is widely discussed and debated.

The department also offer a course in English Language and Literature combined which looks at voices in speech and writing, as well as the varieties in literature and language. 

Find out about studying English at Ashton here.