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Word On The Street

Debunking The Myth Of A Pure Standard English

Word On The Street Open the full-size image

Contributors

By John Mcwhorter

Formats and Prices

On Sale
Jan 25, 2001
Page Count
302 pages
Publisher
Basic Books
ISBN-13
9780738204468

Price

$21.99

Price

$28.99 CAD

Format

Format:

  1. Trade Paperback $21.99 $28.99 CAD
  2. ebook $11.99 $15.99 CAD

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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.

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John Mcwhorter

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.

Learn more about this author