What distinction does Malcolm X imply in paragraph 8 he says “I not only wasn’t articulate I wasn’t even functional”?

The distinction that is suggested by Malcolm in paragraph 8 when he states that "I not only...functional" would be:

The difference between being articulate and functional.

In his autobiography, the author elaborates the difference between being expressive and being practical.

He explains the way he feels disappointed post realization of his inability to express his thoughts due to his usage of slang.

Thus, this shows that the author suggests the idea of the distinction between articulation and functionality leading him to fail to attain his goals.

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Malcolm X implies the distinction between being articulate and being functional.

Explanation:

Malcolm X is explaining how frustrated he felt when he realized that he wasn´t able to convey an articulate train of thought in his written letters because his constant use of slang made him seem not credible or convincing enough for his audience. In that way, his way of expressing himself was not only making him unarticulated but, more importantly, unable to accomplish his goals.