Notwithstanding the current
surge of concern for diversity in our institutions, language diversity
is often absent or dismissed from the current diversity canon in most
institutions, including higher education. Yet language discrimination
remains “so commonly accepted, so widely perceived as appropriate, that it must be seen as the last back door to discrimination.” (Lippi-
Green 2012:73). Why are knowledge and action targeting linguistic
diversity critical in American society and in higher education? This
presentation demonstrates the severity of linguistic discrimination in
higher education and offers venues for disseminating information about
language variation to the public and in institutions of higher learning.
The
film "Talking Black in America" and discussion address the creativity
and resilience of people living through oppression, segregation, and the
fight for equality and the powerful identity forged by a shared
heritage are all expressed in the ways African Americans communicate.
"Talking Black in America" chronicles the incredible impact of African
American English on American language and culture. Filmed across the
United States and beyond, this documentary is a revelation of language
as legacy, identity and triumph over adversity. The executive producer,
Professor Walt Wolfram, a world-renowned sociolinguistics researcher and
educator, will answer questions and discuss African American language
variation and its social implications.
NOTE: It is suggested that viewers watch the film before the keynote address. The film can be viewed for free at https://vimeo.com/288596262, password: TBiA DVD.