John Rickford

Now recognized as the 'language' of American Blacks, African-American English has eluded definition and is at the forefront of politically sensitive debates. African-American English : Structure, history and use provides a timely, comprehensive, state-of-the-art survey of linguistic research. The main focus of the book is the linguistic features of African-American English, in particular the grammar, phonology and lexicon.
Further chapters explore the sociological, political and educational issues connected with African-American English. The editors are the leading experts in the field and along with other key figures, notably William Labov, Geneva Smitherman and Walt Wolfram, they provide an authoritative, diverse guide to this topical subject area. Drawing on many contemporary references : the rap of Queen Latifah, the Oakland School controversy and uncensored language, the contributors reflect the state of current scholarship on African-American English, and actively dispel many misconceptions, address new questions and explore new approaches.
The book is designed to serve as a text for courses on African-American English and as a convenient reference for students of linguistics, black studies and anthropology at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.