Middle-Class African American English

This book provides a comprehensive overview of African American English (AAE) by middle class speakers, giving voice to a neglected segment of the African American speech community. It offers a unique first-person account of AAE and highlights distinguishing elements such as codeswitching, camouflaged feature usage, Standard AAE, and talking/sounding Black vs. Proper. The book includes authentic excerpts and audio prompts accessible through QR technology or the online Resource Tab, helping students and researchers gain a broader understanding of the African American speech community and the AAE continuum.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 271 pages
Publication date: 07 June 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

African American English (AAE) is a significant field of study in linguistics, yet until now, research has primarily concentrated on AAE as it is used by working-class individuals. This comprehensive overview spans the historical evolution of AAE to its present-day context, providing a unique perspective on its usage by middle-class speakers, a segment that has often been overlooked within the African American speech community. In his book, Weldon offers a firsthand account of middle-class AAE, highlighting distinctive features such as codeswitching, the strategic use of camouflaged features, Standard American English, and the distinction between talking/sounding "Black" and "Proper." The book incorporates a wealth of authentic excerpts and audio prompts, accessible through QR technology or the online Resource Tab. Written in an engaging and accessible style, this text aims to enhance the understanding of both the African American speech community and the broader AAE continuum, making it an invaluable resource for students and researchers alike.

Weight: 412g
Dimension: 151 x 229 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780521719667