Do you believe Coates's statement in Between the World and Me about learning the language? Why or why not?

Between the World and Me was written by Ta-Nehisi Coates. Street smarts are a very valuable quality, and while growing up in Baltimore as a young man, Coates rightfully learned the language that he needed to learn to survive in his environment. His language allowed him to have a shot to avoid being targeted by cops and drug dealers, and it also allowed him to feel a little less vulnerable to the elements, even though it masked his true sense of vulnerability. So learning the language of the mean streets of the city seems to be very useful for a black youth who is developing his own identity while struggling to survive.
Coates couldn't speak their violent language initially, which revealed his weakness openly, and he therefore couldn't effectively defend himself against attacks. When Coates was in school one time, a kid pulled out his gun on Coates, put it back in his pocket, and then showed it to Coates again to scare him. That experience alone taught Coates to try to be tough, as well as the importance of learning the language. And learning that language of toughness seems beneficial for someone who is trying to grow up in Baltimore as a black youth.