Essay - Analysis of 'If Black English Isn't a Language, Then Tell...

Analysis of "If Black English Isn't a Language, Then Tell Me, What Is?"

Introduction

This paper will look at the argument presented by James Baldwin in his essay called "If Black English ***** a *****, Then Tell Me, Wh*****t Is?." This ***** will discuss ***** logical soundness of the author's case by examining his line ***** reasoning and his use of evidence. Paying attention to writing style, structure of the argument, ***** provided ***** what is inferred ***** his use of tone; this paper will examine Baldwin's message.

The Author's Argument

James Baldwin makes the argument language itself is not the issue but the role of language and its relationship to people in society. Basically his argument is that language is born out people's *****. He writes, "Language incontestably, reveals ***** speaker. *****, also, for more dubiously, is meant to define the o*****r" (par. 1). ***** defines "other" as someone "refusing ***** be defined by a l*****nguage that has never been able to recognize him" (Baldwin, par.1). Does t***** mean that language applies to people in different ways? That one person using a certain ***** can totally reject it ***** invent a new one out ***** the old? Baldwin seems to think so and continues th***** stance by offering a solid ex*****mple. He elaborates *****at people from different French speaking countries use French differently to a point the French being *****d h*****s a different context for the setting. "A Frenchman living in Paris speaks a subtly ***** crucially ***** language from that of the man living in Marseilles" (Baldwin, par. 2). He uses this element of context to back up his argument about ***** acting the same way. How does he do this effectively? Could this ***** prove the element of context applies ***** only to nationality but also race?

***** believes language acts a universal tool for humanity despite the issue of *****. He notes, "What joins all languages, and all men, is the necessity to confront life, in order, not inconceivably, to outwit death" (Baldwin, par. 3). In th***** regard, he ***** with knowledge of language comes power and it can be used a political **********. He reflects ***** there is a time and place ***** its use, "reveals the private identity, ***** connects ***** with, or divorces one from, the larger, public, or communal identity" (Baldwin, par. 3). He explains beca***** ***** is *****ful, ***** it correctly is important and could ***** life or death in ***** situations.

***** the individual speaking brings to language their style of articulation. ***** explains his argument also applies to English. The variations found are less to do ***** physical surroundings but more to do with class, ***** and the relationship between the two. He comments that he does not "know what white Americans would sound like if ***** had never been any black people in ***** United States, but they would not sound the ***** *****y sound" (Baldwin, *****. 4). This only solidifies the idea that one language can feed