This book is a must for teachers and parents of African American students. Used as a text and reference book in 9 school systems, the book explores how Blacks can improve their speaking and writing skills, avoiding educational and occupational exclusion. Why do many Blacks say "finna, skrimps, ax, skrate, and fixin' to"? Why don't teachers correct Black English in primary classrooms? Why do African Americans have the lowest standardized test scores? The African American Guide to Better English increases awareness, improves student achievement, and provides advocacy for those wanting to speak mainstream English.
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Your book would have been complete with just 'Ax or Ask'. Kurt Vonnegut -- MCR Newsletter 1995
About the Author
Garrard McClendon is a writer, professor, and talk show host. He wrote Ax or Ask? : The African American Guide to Better English to help Blacks with school achievement, standardized testing, and to destroy educational, occupational, and economic exploitation. He holds degrees from Wabash College and Valparaiso University. Currently, he is completing his Ph.D. at Loyola University, while working on a documentary about cultural behaviors. Garrard@McClendonReport.com
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
15 of 16 people found the following review helpful
There is a time and place for everything, even proper English versus slang or dialect. In Garrard McClendon's educational, but humorous book, Ax or Ask? The African American Guide to Better English, I found myself howling with laughter at times. Yet, in hindsight, I'm sure that wasn't the proper reaction. It's a fact, the current generation speak in a strange combination of English, slang, and street terms
Not only did Mr. McClendon provide statistics and suggestions on how teachers could help their students, he also provides a glossary of forbidden words, definitions, phrases, and pronunctiations. Though it isn't funny, but quite the opposite, I could picture a comedian using some of the lines in this book, such as "Drowned - drowned is not pronounced with the extra "did" on the end: drowned (drown'd), not drown-did." Other misused words are noted as well as grammatical problems such as subject/verb agreement and double negatives.
I'm glad to know this book is being taught in different school systems and commend Mr. McClendon for his efforts on educating African-Americans on the need to improve their literary skills, to include: reading, writing, and speaking. With our kids' test scores and the lack of committed teachers, a book of this nature could very well bridge the gap between speaking right versus speaking wrong, arming them for better educations, jobs, and lifestyles. It is a must read!
Reviewed by Mz. Melody for Loose Leaves Book Review
Not only did Mr. McClendon provide statistics and suggestions on how teachers could help their students, he also provides a glossary of forbidden words, definitions, phrases, and pronunctiations. Though it isn't funny, but quite the opposite, I could picture a comedian using some of the lines in this book, such as "Drowned - drowned is not pronounced with the extra "did" on the end: drowned (drown'd), not drown-did." Other misused words are noted as well as grammatical problems such as subject/verb agreement and double negatives.
I'm glad to know this book is being taught in different school systems and commend Mr. McClendon for his efforts on educating African-Americans on the need to improve their literary skills, to include: reading, writing, and speaking. With our kids' test scores and the lack of committed teachers, a book of this nature could very well bridge the gap between speaking right versus speaking wrong, arming them for better educations, jobs, and lifestyles. It is a must read!
Reviewed by Mz. Melody for Loose Leaves Book Review
6 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Communication is a neccessity in life and clarity in communication is the foundation of being understood. I found this book to be helpful for all people to rid themselves of the speech that has insinuated itself in todays language.
This guide is simply laid out and is very thorough. Included are words from A to Z that are used incorrectly with helpful correct and incorrect examples.
I purchased several books for myself, friends and family.
I applaud Mr. McClendon for his integrity as an educator in fullfilling his responsibility rather than doing what is politically correct.
This guide is simply laid out and is very thorough. Included are words from A to Z that are used incorrectly with helpful correct and incorrect examples.
I purchased several books for myself, friends and family.
I applaud Mr. McClendon for his integrity as an educator in fullfilling his responsibility rather than doing what is politically correct.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
As a retired ENGLISH teacher, I have seen many of the abuses of the English language that author McClendon writes about in his book. These errors, as well as others, have so long been a part of the everyday conversation among African-Americans that it is quite a challenge to "correct" them, especially now when so many classrooms allow "creative language" because they don't want to "stifle" students' originality.
Well, contrary to the philosophy, I was one of those teachers, like McClendon, that always had my little "red pen" and would remind students when they said or wrote the wrong thing.
McClendon's book is a well-written composition, divided into informative chapters. One of these, "The Glossary of Forbidden Words, Definitions, Phrases, and Pronunciations", not only lists common errors but has humorous asides that have relevance to the unique African-American culture. The book also delves in the historical aspect of Black English and takes a look at the use of language in the hip hop world.
It is a starter, a good reference that can be used by teachers, church leaders, and social organizations to help members of their respective classrooms, congregations, and communities become more fluent in American English, a priority that is necessary for success in the workplace and society.
Chapter titles:
1) Children Left Behind
2) A Time and a Place for Black English
3) Forbidden Words, Phrases, Definitions, and Pronunciations
4) The Origin of Black English Dialect
5) Black Leaders Use Mainstream English
6) Good and Evil in the Language of Hip Hop
7) Teaching Mainstream English to Black Children
8) Expert Commentary on Black English
9) Remarks and Statistics
Well, contrary to the philosophy, I was one of those teachers, like McClendon, that always had my little "red pen" and would remind students when they said or wrote the wrong thing.
McClendon's book is a well-written composition, divided into informative chapters. One of these, "The Glossary of Forbidden Words, Definitions, Phrases, and Pronunciations", not only lists common errors but has humorous asides that have relevance to the unique African-American culture. The book also delves in the historical aspect of Black English and takes a look at the use of language in the hip hop world.
It is a starter, a good reference that can be used by teachers, church leaders, and social organizations to help members of their respective classrooms, congregations, and communities become more fluent in American English, a priority that is necessary for success in the workplace and society.
Chapter titles:
1) Children Left Behind
2) A Time and a Place for Black English
3) Forbidden Words, Phrases, Definitions, and Pronunciations
4) The Origin of Black English Dialect
5) Black Leaders Use Mainstream English
6) Good and Evil in the Language of Hip Hop
7) Teaching Mainstream English to Black Children
8) Expert Commentary on Black English
9) Remarks and Statistics
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great!
Overall a very good book on a topic that isn't discussed much. The author does a good job of explaining the topic and giving valid advice on how to improve your speach habits.
Published 10 months ago by Peter Parker
3.0 out of 5 stars
Nothin' wrong with ax, folks
A thousand years ago the word was "acsian" (all verbs ended with -an or -ian in those days). Languages, though, are always in constant flux, much as that bothers English teachers,... Read more
Published 19 months ago by Mark Ledbetter
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great book, not so great title
Garrard McClendon has written a terrific book which is apparently receiving flak from some quarters for perceived political incorrectness. What are the issues here? Read more
Published on April 1, 2010 by Loraine R
3.0 out of 5 stars
Needs to be a little more developed.
Good background information. I feel that it should have more examples. Especially under the subject/verb agreement section. Read more
Published on February 5, 2007 by IceColdAceClub
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