Talking back, talking Black : truths about America's lingua franca

Summary:

"It has now been almost fifty years since linguistic experts began studying Black English as a legitimate speech variety, arguing to the public that it is different from Standard English, not a degradation of it. Yet false assumptions and controversies still swirl around what it means to speak and sound "black." In his first book devoted solely to the form, structure, and development of Black English, John McWhorter clearly explains its fundamentals and rich history, while carefully examining the cultural, educational, and political issues that have undermined recognition of this transformative, empowering dialect. Talking Back, Talking Black takes us on a fascinating tour of a nuanced and complex language that has moved beyond America's borders to become a dynamic force for today's youth culture around the world"--Publisher's description.

Record details

ISBN: 9781942658207
ISBN: 1942658206
ISBN: 9781942658214
Physical Description: 190 pages ; 20 cm
Edition: First edition.
Publisher: New York, NY : Bellevue Literary Press, 2017.
Copyright: ©2017

Content descriptions

Bibliography, etc. Note:	Includes bibliographical references (pages 169-173) and index.
Formatted Contents Note:	Introduction -- It's complicated -- What do you mean "sounds Black"? -- But they can't talk that way at a job interview! -- Speaking Black or speaking minstrel? -- Through a lens darkly?