3 Ways to Speak English by Jamila Lyiscott
Here's what hit me like a lightning bolt when I first heard Jamila Lyiscott's TED Talk: the way we speak isn't just about vocabulary and grammar. It's about identity, culture, and power. Her talk went viral because she dropped a truth bomb that most language learning approaches miss entirely Turns out it matters..
So what exactly is Jamila Lyiscott's "3 Ways to Speak English" framework? And why should anyone trying to learn English—or use it effectively—care deeply about it?
The Power of Three Different Ways to Speak English
Lyiscott, a spoken word artist and educator, argues that English isn't one monolithic language. She speaks about three distinct varieties: Standard English, Vernacular English, and the English of her heritage. Each serves different purposes and carries different cultural weight The details matter here. Nothing fancy..
Standard English is what you learn in school and use in formal settings. It's the variety that opens doors to institutions and professional spaces. But here's the thing—Lyiscott doesn't present it as superior, just different Still holds up..
Vernacular English represents the speech patterns rooted in community and everyday interaction. It's authentic, functional, and often dismissed unfairly Worth keeping that in mind..
And then there's her heritage English—a rich blend that carries African American linguistic traditions, code-switching skills, and cultural nuance that mainstream education often overlooks Most people skip this — try not to..
Why This Framework Actually Matters
Most English learners—and even native speakers—are taught that there's one "right" way to speak. Worth adding: one correct pronunciation, one proper grammar, one acceptable accent. Lyiscott's insight shatters that myth wide open Worth knowing..
Think about it. When you move between your home, your workplace, and your online communities, do you really speak the same way everywhere? Of course not. We code-switch naturally, adjusting our speech to fit our audience and context Which is the point..
The problem arises when society tells us one version is "better" or "more educated." Lyiscott's work exposes how this linguistic hierarchy marginalizes entire communities and limits how people express themselves authentically.
Turns out, understanding these three varieties isn't just academic—it's liberating. It helps you work through different spaces without feeling like you're betraying your authentic self And that's really what it comes down to..
Breaking Down the Three Ways to Speak English
Let's dig into each variety and what makes it unique. This isn't about ranking them or suggesting one is better. It's about understanding function and context.
Standard English: The Institutional Variety
This is the English of schools, government documents, and formal presentations. It's codified in style guides and taught as "proper" English in most educational systems.
But here's what most people miss: Standard English isn't inherently superior. It's simply the variety that's been institutionalized. It's the linguistic equivalent of the "default setting" in our society.
When you master Standard English, you gain access to formal institutions. But mastering it doesn't mean you have to abandon your other varieties. In fact, being multilingual across English varieties makes you more versatile, not less authentic Still holds up..
Vernacular English: The Community Voice
Vernacular English—often called "African American Vernacular English" or AAVE in specific contexts—is a fully systematic, rule-governed language variety. Still, it's not "broken English. " It's not slang. It's not deficient.
This variety serves specific communicative functions within communities. It builds solidarity, conveys cultural knowledge, and creates intimacy in ways that Standard English simply cannot.
Lyiscott points out that people who dismiss Vernacular English often can't understand it without explanation. That's not a reflection of the language's quality—it's a reflection of linguistic ignorance It's one of those things that adds up. That's the whole idea..
Heritage English: The Cultural Bridge
Heritage English is perhaps the most complex of the three. It's the variety that emerges when speakers blend their cultural linguistic heritage with the dominant language variety in their region That's the whole idea..
For Lyiscott, this meant combining elements of AAVE with the rhythms and expressions of Caribbean English. It's dynamic, evolving, and deeply personal Practical, not theoretical..
This variety often gets caught in the middle—too "authentic" for formal settings, too "institutional" for some community contexts. But that's precisely why it deserves recognition as a legitimate linguistic variety Most people skip this — try not to..
Common Mistakes People Make with Language Variety
I've seen countless language learners—and even native speakers—make the same fundamental errors when it comes to understanding English varieties.
The biggest mistake is assuming that Standard English is the only "real" English. This mindset creates unnecessary shame around speaking differently and limits people's communicative repertoires Turns out it matters..
Another common error is viewing different varieties as competing rather than complementary. When you understand that each variety has its own grammar, syntax, and cultural function, you stop seeing them as deficits to overcome.
And here's one I see all the time: people think code-switching is deceptive or inauthentic. But code-switching is a sophisticated linguistic skill that allows you to adapt to different audiences and contexts. It's not selling out—it's strategic communication.
What Actually Works: Practical Applications
So how do you put this framework into practice? Here are three approaches that actually work.
Develop Your Linguistic Awareness
Start paying attention to which variety you're using in different contexts. Notice how your speech changes when you're talking to your boss versus your friends versus your family.
This awareness helps you understand your own linguistic flexibility and makes you more intentional about your communication choices.
Practice Strategic Code-Switching
Don't try to eliminate your natural speech patterns. Consider this: instead, develop the ability to code-switch strategically. This means you can access different varieties when needed without feeling like you're pretending to be someone else And it works..
Practice switching between varieties in low-stakes situations first. Then build up to higher-stakes contexts.
Challenge Linguistic Bias
When you hear someone dismissed as "not speaking English properly," question that judgment. Ask: proper for what purpose? Proper in what context?
This shift in perspective—from absolute standards to functional appropriateness—changes how you approach communication entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vernacular English really a complete language variety?
Absolutely. Research shows that AAVE and other vernacular varieties have consistent grammatical rules, phonological patterns, and semantic systems. They're not corrupted versions of Standard English—they're equally valid linguistic systems.
Do I need to speak all three varieties to be successful?
No, but understanding that they exist and serve different functions will make you a more effective communicator. You don't need to master each one perfectly, but being able to code-switch thoughtfully is a valuable skill.
How does this apply to non-native English speakers?
It applies even more directly. Day to day, native English speakers often don't realize they're using multiple varieties. For non-native speakers, recognizing these different varieties can help them deal with linguistic diversity more confidently And it works..
Can I use this framework for my own language variety?
Definitely. Whether you're speaking English in different regions or working with other languages, the concept of multiple, valid varieties applies broadly.
The Bigger Picture
Jamila Lyiscott's "3 Ways to Speak English" isn't just about language—it's about identity, belonging, and social justice. When we recognize that multiple varieties of English are legitimate, we start dismantling linguistic hierarchies that have marginalized entire communities for generations Worth keeping that in mind. Still holds up..
This framework matters because it gives people permission to be linguistically multifaceted. Day to day, you can honor your cultural speech patterns while also accessing institutional varieties. You don't have to choose between authenticity and professionalism Not complicated — just consistent..
The real power of understanding these three varieties lies in what it reveals about language itself: it's not static, it's not fixed, and it's not owned by any one group. Language evolves, adapts, and reflects the communities that use it.
So the next time someone tells you to "speak proper English," remember Lyiscott's insight: proper for what? And whose standards are we actually upholding?
Understanding these three ways to speak English might be one of the most empowering things you ever learn about communication. It's not just about talking better—it's about understanding yourself better and connecting more authentically with others.
