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Talking Back, Talking Black

Truths About America's Lingua Franca

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About this listen

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.

©2017 John McWhorter (P)2019 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books Americas Black & African American Linguistics Racism & Discrimination Social Sciences United States Discrimination

Critic reviews

“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)
All stars
Most relevant
John is both an excellent author and narrator. Perhaps slightly better as a lecturer when he has free rein to use his humour, but intelligent and worth while.

Excellent

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I enjoyed this book. John WcWhorter is always a pleasure to listen to. As an English person, there was the occasional bit that I didn’t quite “get” as I am not really tuned into American vowel sounds, but it didn’t detract from the listening experience.
I have given it a 4 as I think it could have been a little bit shorter.

Interesting

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I always look forward to hearing John McWhorter's take on any subject of linguistics and this book did not disappoint. Finally I got the opportunity to hear a reasoned and thorough take on this extremely divisive subject.

McWhorter brilliant as always

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