Talking Back, Talking Black

Truths About America's Lingua Franca

By: John McWhorter

Narrated by: John McWhorter

Length: 4 hrs and 19 mins

Publisher's summary

Linguists have been studying Black English as a speech variety for years, arguing to the public that it is different from Standard English, not a degradation of it. Yet false assumptions and controversies still swirl around what it means to speak and sound "Black." In his first book devoted solely to the form, structure, and development of Black English, John McWhorter clearly explains its fundamentals and rich history while carefully examining the cultural, educational, and political issues that have undermined recognition of this transformative, empowering dialect.

Talking Back, Talking Black takes us on a fascinating tour of a nuanced and complex language that has moved beyond America's borders to become a dynamic force for today's youth culture around the world.

©2017 John McWhorter (P)2019 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

Critic reviews

“Superb.” (Steven Pinker)

“An explanation, a defense, and, most heartening, a celebration.... McWhorter demonstrates the ‘legitimacy’ of Black English by uncovering its complexity and sophistication, as well as the still unfolding journey that has led to its creation.... [His] intelligent breeziness is the source of the book’s considerable charm.” (New Yorker)

The Black Tongue

I thoroughly enjoyed listen to this book. Over the years I've thought about what to call the English we speak as a Black American and this nailed it. There's been many of times in my life trying to explain to outsiders the meaning behind how we use/ speak with words. This book is that book!!

Thank You for taking the time out to give us The Black Break Down.

Excellence

Highly recommend this book for all black people to read! I have been teased for speaking a certain way, pronouncing words differently most of my life. As black people we are always taught to shun the way we speak amongst our family and friends. "Speak proper!". This book helps give you some pride in Black English. This book will help arm you with the tools to explain WHY the way we talk is not improper or bad English. It's an alternate form of English.

Important read to understand America

As always Mcwhorter delivers excellent information and research in an entertaining and unapologetic way.

If you love English, listen to this book

John McWhorter, who is definitely “my favorite linguist,” helps us see the beauty in one of our richest English dialects, Black English, while also helping us understand the way it is seen by the American public. Highly recommended. Also hear McWhorter’s Lexicon Valley podcast.

Great Explanation to Long Asked Questions!

This book has been an amazing look into the language most of us speak yet understand so little, especially in how its spoken by most of us black people specifically. As always John McWhorter makes listening a pleasant learning experience while inserting just enough of his own personality and quirkiness to keep you thoroughly engaged.

Outstanding book for Americans

The academic work and vocal work alone make this one of the most valuable books I’ve ever had the pleasure to consume. John is truly a saint in my book.

Any lover of language should learn from this book

Any lover of language can learn from this book. The fact that black English as a legitimate dialect is the main theme doesn't do the reach of this work justice. The English language as a whole is illuminated as a way to contrast and compare the dialect if black English. No adjacent topic is avoided and this book is as concise as it is informative. I have, and will continue to, enthusiastically share this with friends. I am confident this work is not too far over anyone's head or certainly not beneath anyone's level of comprehension for them to leave much better informed about the English language, the Black dialect, and the relationship between the two.

As much fun as all of McWhorter's works but also

enlightening. I am a fan of john McWhorter's books even as I have to blush at my mental red-penciling of other people's "bad grammar". He makes it clear that language is what the speakers make it, and that grammars are out of date on the day they are published. He teaches with humor and clarity, and yet challenges our thinking. In this book he brings all those skills to play, but also a fond relationship to the language of people he loves. I remember the days of Ebonics, but could never quite believe that black speech of that sort was a legitimate language. I am glad to be corrected, gently but firmly.

In a word: brilliant

There would be a greater net benefit to society and race relations as a whole if this book replaced “White Fragility” as required reading in America’s colleges and universities.

Our Language

I found this book a strong yet simple approach to the wonders of African American language. It’s not a mistake, error, or gross ignorance. African American language is not a purposeful rebellion. It is a language, a distinct fusion of speech and experience. It’s ours