Which author's work was noted for gathering and reconstructing African American vernacular?

The work of Zora Neale Hurston is particularly noted for gathering and reconstructing African American vernacular, primarily through her anthropological approach and her focus on the culture and experiences of African Americans in the early 20th century. Hurston's most famous work, "Their Eyes Were Watching God," incorporates rich, authentic dialect and storytelling techniques that reflect the voice and experiences of Black communities, especially in the South.

Her background in anthropology informed her understanding and portrayal of African American culture, leading her to conduct fieldwork that captured the richness of folk traditions, oral histories, and vernacular speech. This emphasis on vernacular not only highlighted the beauty and complexity of African American language but also contributed significantly to the Harlem Renaissance and the broader recognition of African American literary contributions.

While other authors like Langston Hughes, Claude McKay, and Alain Locke also contributed to the African American literary scene during the Harlem Renaissance, their works focused more on themes of identity, race, and social justice rather than the gathering and recording of vernacular language as a primary focus. Thus, Hurston stands out for her pioneering efforts in documenting and reconstructing the voices of African Americans.