Word on the Street: Debunking the Myth of "Pure" Standard English - Softcover

Mcwhorter, John; McWhorter, Ph.D., John

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0738204463 ISBN 13: 9780738204468

Publisher: Basic Books, 2001

Synopsis

Though there is a contingent of linguists who fight the fact, our language is always changing--not only through slang, but sound, syntax, and words' meanings as well. Debunking the myth of "pure" standard English, tackling controversial positions, and eschewing politically correct arguments, linguist John McWhorter considers speech patterns and regional accents to demonstrate just how the changes do occur. Wielding reason and humor, McWhorter ultimately explains why we must embrace these changes, ultimately revealing our American English in all its variety, expressiveness, and power.

About this title

About the Author:

John McWhorter is Assistant Professor of Linguistics at the University of California at Berkeley. A specialist in pidgin and Creole languages, he lives in Oakland, California.

Review:

"Word on the Street is one of the best books ever written on language and public affairs." -- Steven Pinker, author of The Language Instinct and Words and Rules

About this edition

• Publisher: Basic Books
• Publication date: 2001
• ISBN 10: 0738204463
• ISBN 13: 9780738204468
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 300