In this episode of As In Heaven, hosts Jim Davis and Mike Aitcheson welcome Jon Aragón and Ameen Hudson to discuss the nuances of the Afro-Latino experience, and the ways language and code-switching relate to power dynamics from a pastoral and cultural perspective. The group addresses:
- An introduction to Jon Aragón and Ameen Hudson (1:13)
- Afro-Latinos in South America (3:50)
- Afro-Latinidad culture in the U.S. (8:17)
- Afro-Latina diaspora (17:43)
- Afro-Carribean, American Descendants of Slavery, and African Americans (24:04)
- Speaking to white Americans as an Afro-Latino (26:14)
- African American Vernacular English (30:15)
- Code-switching (39:37)
- Understanding the heart behind code-switching (45:05)
- “Not sounding like you’re black” (52:26)
- Code-switching in the Christian community (58:22)
Explore more from TGC on the topic of race.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
- What has been your understanding of the Afro-Latino diaspora? How does this history shape the way we relate to those of Afro-Latino descent?
- Why is it important to recognize the unique cultural realities that the Afro-Latino diaspora presents? How does this affect the church?
- How have you generally interpreted and understood the history and development of African American Vernacular English (AAE)? How did the history that Ameen Hudson presented change your view?
- What is code-switching? Why do those in minority cultures feel the need to code-switch? Why does understanding this help give full affirmation to the humanity of a person?
- How does the diversity of language and cultures offer a beautiful picture of who God is and how he acts in the world?
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The Gospel Coalition