African-American English: Structure, History and Use

by Salikoko S. Mufwene (Editor), Guy Bailey (Editor), John Baugh (Editor)

African-American Structure, History and Use provides a comprehensive survey of linguistic research into African-American English. The main linguistic features are covered, in particular the grammar, phonology and lexicon. Further chapters explore the sociological, political and educational issues connected with African-American English.
The editors are the leading experts in the field and along with other key figures, notably William Labov, Geneva Smitherman and Walt Wolfram, they provide an authoritative, diverse guide to this topical subject area. Drawing on many contemporary the Oakland School controversy, the rap of Ice-T, the contributors reflect the state of current scholarship on African-American English, and actively dispel many misconceptions, address new questions and explore new approaches.
The book is designed to serve as a text for the increasing number of courses on African-American English and as a convenient reference for students of linguistics, black studies and anthropology at both undergraduate and postgraduate level.

Genres: Linguistics

328 pages, Paperback

First published April 17, 1998

Reviews

[Karen Chung · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm currently writing a short Chinese-language introduction to US Black English, and this book provided me with exactly the kinds of information I need for the article - thus the full 5 stars.