languages

"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."--Back cover.

Traces specific ways nonstandard English usage can lead to nonunderstanding and misunderstanding for African-American students.

Examines the languages spoken in the Latino community and discusses various aspects of bilingualism.

Explores the influence Native American languages have had on American English, and offers seventy studies, each focusing on a particular word borrowed into English from Native American languages, showing the role each word had in American Indian societies and examining the continuities and contrasts with its place in modern American life.

An illustrated alphabet that focuses on American-English words borrowed from cultures in North, South, and Central America, including abalone, opossum, and zopilote, and providing pronunciation and information on each of the featured words.

Explains what it is like for Spanish children and adults trying to learn two different languages and discusses how each language was introduced to their culture.

An alphabetically arranged guide that defines more than three hundred words and phrases from the African-American community.

An examination of Native American life, discussing the languages spoken by different tribes in various regions, and looking at how Native American words have been incorporated into the modern English language. Includes a glossary.