Date of Award
Spring 5-7-2024
Document Type
Honors Project
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Department
English and Linguistics
Department Chair or Program Director
Jonathan Levin
First Advisor
Dr. Janie Lee
Major or Concentration
Linguistics
Abstract
This paper aims to explain the significance of hairstyles and terms used by black women and seeks to explore how these choices can sway the negative perceptions about black womanhood. Past research has shown that what is “just hair” to others serves as a statement piece and an overall representation of black women. By observing and recording naturally occurring conversations in black hair salons and conducting interviews with black women, I investigated the following question: How do black women use specific terminology to discuss their hair while also constructing identity and reflecting on societal views? I conclude that black women’s use of word choice and diverse lexicon to describe their hair emphasized hair’s overall importance. Through the expansive vocabulary used by black women, we see the weight carried by hair alone respective to beauty, identity, and perception.
Recommended Citation
Claiborne, Aliya J., "“4, 24”, and 4c”: The Shared Knowledge of Hair Terminology and Cultural Pride Among Black Women." (2024). Student Research Submissions. 557.
https://scholar.umw.edu/student_research/557
Rights
Included in
African American Studies Commons, Anthropological Linguistics and Sociolinguistics Commons, Women's Studies Commons