Word On The Street: Debunking The Myth Of A Pure Standard English

by John Mcwhorter

Overview

Though there is a contingent of linguists who fight the fact, our language is always changing — not only through slang, but sound, syntax, and words' meanings as well. Debunking the myth of "pure" standard English, tackling controversial positions, and eschewing politically correct arguments, linguist John McWhorter considers speech patterns and regional accents to demonstrate just how the changes do occur. Wielding reason and humor, McWhorter ultimately explains why we must embrace these changes, ultimately revealing our American English in all its variety, expressiveness, and power.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780738204468
Publisher:	Basic Books
Publication date:	01/25/2001
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	302
Sales rank:	735,868
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.75(d)

About the Author

John McWhorter is Assistant Professor of Linguistics at the University of California at Berkeley. A specialist in pidgin and Creole languages, he lives in Oakland, California.