HighBridge Audio

Skip to Main Content »

Category Navigation:

Search Site
 

Talking Back, Talking Black

Audiobook
Nonfiction: Social Science
Unabridged   4.25 hour(s)
Publication date: 04/30/2019

Talking Back, Talking Black

Truths About America's Lingua Franca

Available from major retailers or BUY FROM AMAZON
Audio CD ISBN:9781684572700
Digital Download ISBN:9781684572717

Summary

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.

Be the first to review this product
Email to a Friend


Product Description

Linguists have been studying Black English as a speech variety for years, 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.

Reviews/Praise

“A vibrant separation of an African-American vernacular tradition from the thickets of contemporary racial debate.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“Well suited for those who have an interest in black studies, education, history, language, or cultural studies.” ―Library Journal

Talking Back, Talking Black is [McWhorter’s] case for the acceptance of black English as a legitimate American dialect. . . . He ably and enthusiastically breaks down the mechanics.” ―New York Times Book Review

Author Bio

John McWhorter teaches linguistics, Western civilization, music history, and American studies at Columbia University. A New York Times bestselling author and TED speaker, he is a columnist for CNN.com, a regular contributor to the Atlantic, and the host of Slate's language podcast, Lexicon Valley.