Question

Discuss the theories of the origin of Black English discussed by McWhorter and explain the theory of the origin of Black English promoted by John McWhorter. Discuss McWhorter

Answer 1

McWhorter sees in Black English an evidence of the amazingly endless mutability of language plus its ability to surprise. He brooks no superciliousness toward the Valley Girl. McWhorter laments in his book “Talking Back, Talking Black,” that Americans find it difficult to comprehend that any slang or vernacular way of talking is also a legitimate language.

A sort of apologia, this book is an attempt by McWhorter to demonstrate Black English’s “legitimacy” by exposing its sophistication and complexity along with the still ongoing and unfolding journey that has resulted in the creation of Black English. John also gently berates fellow-linguists for their incompetency and inability to present sensible and convincing arguments in vernacular language’s favor. By providing a few examples or rather directives to use few words and avoid others, McWhorter attempts to prove that the more seemingly complex and obscure the grammatical rule, the greater importance and regard it stands to earn from those who could master it. McWhorter believes that people respect complexity. McWhorter cites the racism legacy for the sake of rejecting it as a sufficient explanation for the derision leveled at Black English all these years. He isn’t impressed by the argument that appears socio-politically charged that criticizing a dialect implies criticizing its speakers.