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Word from the Mother: Language and African Americans
Contributor(s): Smitherman, Geneva (Author)
ISBN: 0415358760     ISBN-13: 9780415358767
Publisher: Routledge
OUR PRICE:   $49.39  
Product Type: Paperback - Other Formats
Published: February 2006
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Temporarily out of stock - Will ship within 2 to 5 weeks
Annotation:

"Word from the Mother" presents a definitive statement on African American English from the hugely respected linguist, Geneva Smitherman; and her message is clear: black American speech enriches, rather than undermines, general American English.
Written with flashes of African American language throughout, the work gives an overview of past debates on the speech of African Americans, and provides a vision for the future. Demonstrating the stark contrast between the perceptions of the language from those outside the community, with the views of African Americans, the author explores the relationship between language and race, and the reflection of gender in language practices.
From her discussion on rhyme and rhetoric in the black speech community, to the summary of African American idioms and expressions, Geneva Smitherman argues that 'bilingualism' is necessary for all Americans if they are to take their place in the global village.
Including cartoons, poetry and hip hop lyrics which humorously illustrate her argument, Word from the Mother is a an essential read for students of African American English, language and culture and sociolinguistics, as well as the general reader interested in the worldwide adoption of black popular culture.
Additional Information
BISAC Categories:
- Language Arts & Disciplines | Linguistics - General
Dewey: 427.973
LCCN: 2005019719
Physical Information: 0.43" H x 6.28" W x 9.2" (0.66 lbs) 186 pages
 
Descriptions, Reviews, Etc.
Publisher Description:

Written by the hugely respected linguist, Geneva Smitherman, this book presents a definitive statement on African American English. Enriched by her evocative and inimitable prose style, the study presents an overview of past debates on the speech of African Americans, as well as providing a vision for the future. Featuring cartoons which demonstrate the relationship between language and race, as well as common perceptions of African American Language, she explores its contribution to mainstream American English and includes a summary of expressions as a suggested linguistic core of AAL.

As global manifestations of Black Language increase, she argues that, through education, we must broaden our conception of AAL and its speakers, and further examine the implications of gender, age and class on AAL. Perhaps most of all we must appreciate the 'artistic and linguistic genius' of AAL, presented in this book through rap and Hip Hop lyrics and the explorations of rhyme and rhetoric in the Black speech community.

Word from the Mother is an essential read for students of African American English, language, culture and sociolinguistics, as well as the general reader interested in the worldwide 'crossover' of black popular culture.