Beyond Ebonics Linguistic Pride and Racial Prejudice

by Baugh, John

• ISBN13: 9780195120462
• ISBN10: 0195120469
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2000-02-10
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

The media frenzy surrounding the 1996 resolution by the Oakland School Board brought public attention to the term "Ebonics", however the idea remains a mystery to most. John Baugh, a well-known African-American linguist and education expert, offers an accessible explanation of the origins ofthe term, the linguistic reality behind the hype, and the politics behind the outcry on both sides of the debate. Using a non-technical, first-person style, and bringing in many of his own personal experiences, Baugh debunks many commonly-held notions about the way African-Americans speak English,and the result is a nuanced and balanced portrait of a fraught subject. This volume should appeal to students and scholars in anthropology, linguistics, education, urban studies, and African-American studies.

Author Biography

John Baugh is Professor of Education and Linguistics at Stanford University and has served as President of the American Dialect Society.

Table of Contents

Linguistic Pride and Racial Prejudice	p. 1
Ebonic Genesis	p. 15
A Contentious Global Debut	p. 25
Oakland's Ebonics Resolutions	p. 37
Legislative Lament	p. 49
Legal Implications	p. 63
Disparate Theoretical Foundations	p. 73
Racist Reactions and Ebonics Satire	p. 87
Beyond Ebonics: Striving toward Enhanced Linguistic Tolerance	p. 101
Appendixes
Linguistic Society of America Resolution on the Oakland "Ebonics" Issue	p. 117
Texas 75th Legislature, Regular Session: House Resolution 28	p. 119
California 1997-98 Regular Session: Senate Bill 205	p. 121
References	p. 133
Index	p. 139
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