Talkin and Testifyin: The Language of Black America (Waynebook) [Paperback]

Geneva Smitherman (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0814318053 | ISBN-13: 978-0814318058 | Publication Date: December 1985 | Edition: Reprint

An examination of Black English within the wider context of Black culture and lifestyle.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

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.

About the Author

Geneva Smitherman is University Distinguished Professor of English and Director of the African American Language and Literacy Program at Michigan State University. The author of BLACK TALK: WORDS AND PHRASES FROM THE HOOD TO THE AMEN CORNER and TALKIN THAT TALK: LANGUAGE, CULTURE AND EDUCATION IN AFRICAN AMERICA and the editor of AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN SPEAK OUT ON ANITA HILL-CLARENCE THOMAS, she also directs the My Brother's Keeper Program in Detroit. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 285 pages
• Publisher: Wayne State University Press; Reprint edition (December 1985)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0814318053
• ISBN-13: 978-0814318058
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #239,240 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must-read material for teachers, September 28, 2004

By 

Grym (Chapel Hill, NC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Talkin and Testifyin: The Language of Black America (Waynebook) (Paperback)

The issues that arise from American neglect of issues of language diversity have historically created barriers to the education of many children. Smitherman's classic text is a lesson in understanding how children begin schooling at different places, with different strengths to be tapped and explored. While it might be critiqued for being overly essentialist, it is a critical step in allowing non-African Americans (and may African Americans, too!) some insights into the history of a fascinating and rich linguistic tradition. I would consider this book an absolute MUST READ for anyone going into classrooms to teach. These are important ideas to consider and, politically, they get far to little time in the popular media. For a starter overview, let me also recommend Delpit & Perry's edited volume, _The Skin That We Speak_, with Smitherman as further explication to the overview presented there.

2 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Interesting..., July 14, 2003

By 

J. L. Ennis "daisygrl1268" (Berlin, NJ United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Talkin and Testifyin: The Language of Black America (Waynebook) (Paperback)

I don't really consider Ebonics to be a language, but since I had to read this book for class, I guess I could call it interesting... I wouldn't recommend this book unless it was required.