Short Answer 
Zora Neale Hurston uses nonstandard English to authentically depict the speech of her characters, reflecting their cultural identity and social backgrounds. This linguistic style provides authenticity, highlights historical context, and enhances understanding of the characters’ experiences, ultimately preserving the voices of African Americans in American literature.
Step 1: Understanding Nonstandard English
Nonstandard English refers to variations of the English language that differ from the commonly accepted grammar and vocabulary. This form of language is significant because it reflects the cultural identity and social background of the speaker. Hurston employs this linguistic style to authentically represent the speech of her characters.
Step 2: Importance of Dialect
A dialect is a distinct form of language associated with a particular group, often shaped by factors like ethnicity and geography. In Hurston’s work, the use of dialect serves to:
- Provide authenticity to the characters.
- Reflect cultural heritage and historical context.
- Enhance the reader’s understanding of the characters’ experiences.
Step 3: Contextualizing the Narrative
The excerpt narrates events that occurred in the past, and the usage of nonstandard English highlights how African Americans communicated during that time. By incorporating these linguistic elements, Hurston not only preserves the historical voice but also elevates the significance of their stories within the broader tapestry of American literature.