What is AAVE? For most Provo residents, it may be difficult to answer. Is that a campus building or a new streaming service? No. It’s BYU’s latest language course.

For the last few months, the BYU Department of Linguistics and Office of Belonging have worked tirelessly in tandem to create AAVE 101. Still not sure what it is? That’s what the course is for, stupid—maybe take it. But to debrief potential inquirers, AAVE stands for African American Vernacular English and is essentially a vocabulary created by African American communities going back many years. And while it’s not considered to be an official language, it’s already outstanding how many returned missionaries consider themselves “fluent.”

“Yeah, I served in East LA and even got lost in Compton one time,” said student and Idaho native Brandon Miller. “The streets taught me everything I know, but I’m absolutely tickled pink that I can keep my mission language alive now here at BYU. Absolutely zero caps, on Heavenly Father.”

With the announcement of the new course, some are already worried that a class such as AAVE 101 might toe the line between cultural appropriation and easing the egos of those who “identify with the area in which they served.” To which Office of Belonging Vice President, Sherryl Thomsen, responded:

“As a predominantly white university, BYU needs to seek more diversity, inclusion, and outreach,” said Thomsen. “Which is why we outreached to include a diverse class in your General Education that you get to pay us for!”

“But to address some of the concerns being voiced,” Thomsen continued, “Those who ultimately enroll in the course will have a preemptive ban from any and all BYU sporting events. Better safe than sorry.”

AAVE 101 is expected to be available for registration in the fall, so long as they eventually find someone willing to teach the course.