Why cant i understand what "alot" of "african-american" people say??

Question

Ok this is a follow up to my last question the link will be at the end...in my last question i made it sound like im a redneck from the deep south apparently...because all i got was alot of hateful replys............

also i will use the term african-american because apparently alot of people on here dont like the term black.....even though you will call me white...?

i work with 4 black people....honestly i have ABSOLUTELY NOTHING against them....i enjoy working with them as much as anyone else there......but alot of times when they are talking to me they will MUMBLE words.....its not an accent either because i can understand every word in rap songs sung by african-americans......my problem is when i can not understand what they are saying i feel VERY akward i say what a couple of times and then i either tell them i cant understand them or just walk away.....alot of times i even act like i didnt hear them.....so what am i supposed to do when i really cannot understand them?? also i have just about as many african-american friends as i do white friend so dont try to call me and arrogant redneck....

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AuZHff88zh75EQgnGWXJ2P7sy6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20080826124440AAJvcJ0

Answer 1

Black people have a secret language that they can only speak. LOL

Answer 2

Tell them that they're mumbling or running words together and you don't understand what they're saying.  I had a girlfriend who would do that sometimes and I'd tell her she was mumbling, so she would repeat herself louder and clearer.  No big deal.

*Edit* Thanks for the laugh Afro, you just made my day...

Answer 3

Lucky for you, you're not in New York, because then you'd have to also deal with black people who have accents, and you really won't know what some of them are saying. Ask them to slow down when they talk or something.

Answer 4

Maybe because they talk funny.

I know what you mean.I am a black female and

when black men approach me and say "What it do?"

or "What the business is?" I really am at a loss for

words because i don't understand their lingo!

Haha.That's their deal though.Some do talk like that

and some don't!

Answer 5

because african americans are more emotional people.  maybe it is because of slaverly, maybe it is their genetic make up.  bottomline is african americans choose to "feel" each other and laugh it up rather than speak logically about something.  it also has to do with the horrible education that most blacks receive (if they get one at all!)

Answer 6

It also depends on what part of the country YOU are talking about. I'm Black and from Jersey but I occasionally have issues understanding my friends and cousins from GA or Mississippi.

And put it plainly, "I'm sorry but I can not understand what you are saying. Slow Down."

Answer 7

When I can't understand what somebody is saying to me, I say "I'm sorry I can't understand you." If they persist in mumbling or chatting like a teenager with a mouthful of air and chewing gum, I ask them if they mind speaking more clearly.

Answer 8

just ask them politely what they said. if you want to not make it sound like their fault, just say that you are not hearing clearly.

Answer 9

look them in the eye and tell them you dont understand. It is either your hearing or maybe slow development on your part. Ask them how should we really know? I am not going to bash anyone for your excitement.

Answer 10

Are you from Alabama?  You sound like a red neck hick

Answer 11

first of all black is fine. and also, if you can't understand them why don't you just say?