"Superb." --Steven Pinker
"An explanation, a defense, and, most heartening, a celebration. . . .
McWhorter demonstrates the 'legitimacy' of Black English by uncovering
its complexity and sophistication, as well as the still unfolding
journey that has led to its creation. . . . [His] intelligent
breeziness is the source of the book's considerable charm." --New
Yorker
"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
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.
John McWhorter teaches linguistics, Western civilization, music
history, and American studies at Columbia University. A New York Times
best-selling author and TED speaker, he is a columnist for CNN.com, a
regular contributor to the Atlantic, a frequent guest on CNN and
MSNBC, and the host of Slate's language podcast, Lexicon Valley. His
books on language include The Power of Babel; Our Magnificent Bastard
Tongue; Words on the Move; Talking Back, Talking Black; and The
Creole Debate.
