why do black people say axe instead of ask

Black people say "axe" instead of "ask" because this pronunciation, commonly associated with African American Vernacular English (AAVE), actually dates back to Old English, where the verb "ask" was pronounced as "acsian" and alternatively as "axe." This pronunciation has been around for over 1,200 years, used even by Geoffrey Chaucer and in early English Bible translations. The "axe" form was common in various English dialects before "ask" became the standard. It persisted in regions like the American South and New England and was adopted by African Americans, partly through interaction with European indentured servants who also used this form. The switch of the "s" and "k" sounds, known as metathesis, is a typical linguistic phenomenon, not an error. Over time, however, "axe" became stigmatized and linked to black English speakers, but linguists view it as an integral and culturally significant part of Black American English identity rather than incorrect speech. The use of "axe" reflects cultural heritage and community identity, not a lack of education or intelligence.