Exploring African American speech and its integral role in the historical and cultural legacy of all Americans: a screening of the documentary "Talking Black in America," to be followed by a panel and Q&A, at 5:30-7:30 p.m, February 5, in ILC N151.
Panelists:
Walt Wolfram, Executive Producer, William C. Friday Distinguished Professor, North Carolina State University, Director of the NC Language and Life Project
Anna Branch, Associate Chancellor for Equity and Inclusion
Lisa Green, Professor of Linguistics
Nick McBride, Associate Professor of Journalism
This event is sponsored by the Chancellor’s Office and the Graduate School with support from the Journalism Department, Linguistics Department, and W. E. B. Du Bois Center.
About Talking Black in America
African American English is the most controversial and misunderstood variety of speech in America. Linguistic discrimination continues to affect speakers of the variety, and the ways it is linked to educational achievement and literacy are widely misunderstood by the public and by professionals in a number of allied fields. National discussions of language issues ranging from the proposed amendment to the Constitution to make English the official language of the United States to the public controversy about the decision of the Oakland Unified School Board to recognize Ebonics in their curriculum have indicated the critical, symbolic role of language differences in American society. With the perspectives of everyday speakers and the guidance of historians, linguists, and educators, Talking Black in America showcases the history and symbolic role of language in the lives of African Americans and highlights its tremendous impact on the speech and culture of the United States. The documentary addresses the persistent misinformation about African American speech and situates it as an integral part of the historical and cultural legacy of all Americans.
Free and open to the public.