Talking Back, Talking Black: Truths About America's Lingua Franca [Paperback]

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 books considerable charm. New Yorker

Talking Back, Talking Blackis [McWhorters] 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 Blacktakes us on a fascinating tour of a nuanced and complex language that has moved beyond Americas borders to become a dynamic force for todays youth culture around the world.

John McWhorterteaches linguistics, Western civilization, music history, and American studies at Columbia University. ANew York Timesbest-selling author and TED speaker, he is a columnist for CNN.com, a regular contributor to theAtlantic, a frequent guest on CNN and MSNBC, and the host ofSlates language podcast,Lexicon Valley. His books on language includeThe Power of Babel;Our Magnificent Bastard Tongue;Words on the Move;Talking Back, Talking Black; andThe Creole Debate.

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