Talkin and Testifyin: The Language of Black America / Edition 1

by Geneva Smitherman

Overview

In this book, Smitherman makes a substantial contribution to an understanding of Black English by setting it in the larger context of Black culture and life style.

In her book, Geneva Smitherman makes a substantial contribution to an understanding of Black English by setting it in the larger context of Black culture and life style. In addition to defining Black English, by its distinctive structure and special lexicon, Smitherman argues that the Black dialect is set apart from traditional English by a rhetorical style which reflects its African origins. Smitherman also tackles the issue of Black and White attitudes toward Black English, particularly as they affect educational policy.

Documenting her insights with quotes from notable Black historical, literary and popular figures, Smitherman makes clear that Black English is as legitimate a form of speech as British, American, or Australian English.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780814318058
Publisher:	Wayne State University Press
Publication date:	01/01/1986
Series:	Waynebook Series , #51
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	298
Sales rank:	561,863
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Geneva Smitherman a distinguished professor emerita and director of the African American Language and Literacy Program at Michigan State University.

What People are Saying About This

Professor of Linguistics, University of Pennsylvania - William Labov

A full view of the Afro-Caribbean history that illuminates the special evolution of the Black Vernacular in America.

Editorial Reviews

An important milestone in our understanding of the richness and sophistication of language and language use among Black Americans.

Acting Dean, School of Communications, Howard University - Orlando L. Taylor

A full view of the Afro-Caribbean history that illuminates the special evolution of the Black Vernacular in America.--William Labov "Professor of Linguistics, University of Pennsylvania"

An important milestone in our understanding of the richness and sophistication of language and language use among Black Americans.--Orlando L. Taylor "Acting Dean, School of Communications, Howard University"

From the Publisher

A full view of the Afro-Caribbean history that illuminates the special evolution of the Black Vernacular in America.

Professor of Linguistics, University of Pennsylvania - William Labov