Do you think you speak American? After viewing this documentary, I realized that I speak a variety of local Englishes and I finally found out what Americans consider Standard English, English from the Midland. I, as an American always have related "standard English" with Academic English.
I have resisted Academic English throughout my entire matriculation, but because I have a love of learning about the world I have arrived at the advanced graduate level. I have always been subconsciously aware of the power of language and I didn't want anyone (academia) to deposit any words or ideas in my head. I wanted to learn from the world, the best teacher.
As an adult I realize that Americans have made me mulitdialectal, multilingual, multiliterate, and familiar with various cultures. Thus, now after coming in contact with a variety of Englishes, I feel proud to say that I speak Americans because I realize that I'm proficient in lots of varieties of American (AAL, Spanglish, Standard, Gullah, Jamaican Patois, southern, northern, etc.) and I can talk to a wider range of people and enjoy experiences of multiple Americans.
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That's cool that you are proud to say that you speak American. Me, too! I embrace it not because it connects to just America but embrace it because I share you view about the multiplicity of languages, identities, cultures, etc. that exist in America. Thus embracing and saying that I speak American expresses my acknowledgement of that multiplicitiy and pluricentricity.
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