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Talkin and Testifyin The Language of Black America Geneva Smitherman

In her book, Geneva Smitherman makes a substantial contribution to an understanding of Black English by setting it in the larger context of Black culture and lifestyle. In addition to defining Black English by its distinctive structure and special lexicon, Smitherman argues that the Black dialect is set apart from traditional English by a rhetorical style which reflects its African origins. Smitherman also tackles the issue of Black and White attitudes toward Black English, particularly as they affect educational policy. Documenting her insights with quotes from notable Black historical, literary and popular figures, Smitherman makes clear that Black English is as legitimate a form of speech as British, American, or Australian English.

"A full view of the Afro-Caribbean history that illuminates the special evolution of the Black Vernacular in America." —William Labov, Professor of Linguistics, University of Pennsylvania "An important milestone in our understanding of the richness and sophistication of language and language use among Black Americans." —Orlando L. Taylor, Acting Dean, School of Communications, Howard University

$21.95s paper / ISBN 0-8143-1805-3 298 pages 1986 (1977 by Houghton Mifflin Company)