Conceptual Equation
Let P(A) represent the probability that Zoomers appropriate a new word from AAVE. This can be modeled as:
P(A)=f(S,C,M,T,R)
Where:
- S: Social media exposure (e.g., TikTok, X, Instagram) where AAVE terms gain visibility among Zoomers.
- C: Cultural influence, including the perceived "coolness" or trendiness of AAVE in youth culture.
- M: Mainstream media amplification (e.g., music, TV, or influencers using AAVE terms).
- T: Temporal context, as linguistic trends shift over time (e.g., virality of a term).
- R: Resistance or awareness, reflecting pushback against appropriation due to cultural sensitivity or education.
A simplified probabilistic form could be:
P(A)=1+e−k(T−R)w1S+w2C+w3M
Where:
- w1,w2,w3: Weights representing the relative influence of social media, cultural factors, and mainstream media (e.g., w1+w2+w3=1).
- k: A constant scaling the rate of adoption based on temporal and resistance factors.
- e−k(T−R): A logistic function to model how time and resistance temper the likelihood of appropriation.
Explanation of Variables
- Social Media Exposure (S): Platforms like TikTok and X are key vectors for AAVE spread. For example, terms like "slay," "periodt," or "finna" gained traction via viral content. Data from X shows AAVE terms trending among Zoomers, often detached from their cultural roots (e.g., posts using "cap" or "no cap" spiked in 2020–2023).
- Cultural Influence (C): AAVE is often seen as "trendy" due to its prominence in hip-hop, fashion, and slang. Zoomers, seeking cultural capital, adopt these terms to signal belonging. Studies (e.g., Rickford & Rickford, 2000) note AAVE's influence on youth vernacular.
- Mainstream Media (M): Artists like Lil Nas X or shows like Euphoria amplify AAVE terms, increasing their reach. For instance, "lit" became mainstream via music and TV.
- Temporal Context (T): Linguistic trends are cyclical. A term's virality peaks quickly but may fade (e.g., "on fleek" vs. "sksksk"). This is modeled as a time-dependent factor.
- Resistance (R): Growing awareness of cultural appropriation (e.g., discussions on X about non-Black people using AAVE) can reduce adoption. Educational content on platforms like TikTok emphasizes respecting AAVE's origi
Example Application
Suppose a new AAVE term, "bussin," trends on TikTok (S=0.8, high exposure), is deemed culturally "cool" (C=0.7), and appears in a popular song (M=0.6). Assume it's 2025, early in the term's viral phase (T=0.9), but there's moderate pushback due to appropriation awareness (R=0.4). With weights w1=0.4, w2=0.3, w3=0.3, and k=1:
P(A)=1+e−1(0.9−0.4)(0.4⋅0.8 )+(0.3⋅0.7)+(0.3⋅0.6)=1+e−0.50.32+0.21+0.18=1+0.60650.71=1.60650.71≈0.4419
This suggests a 44% chance Zoomers will widely adopt "bussin." The moderate probability reflects resistance tempering spread.
