Speaking of Race: Language, Identity, and Schooling Among African American Children

Speaking of Race explores the linguistic practices of African American children in an after school program in Washington, DC. Drawing on ethnographic research, Jennifer B. Delfino illustrates how students’ linguistic practices are often perceived as barriers to learning and achievement and provides an in-depth look at how students challenge this perception by using language to transform the meaning of race in relation to ideas about academic success. In providing insight into the institutionalized processes by which African American children are seen and heard as “problem students,” this book helps scholars and practitioners better support marginalized pupils in their efforts to achieve racial transformation and educational justice in schools.

Jennifer B. Delfino is assistant professor in the Department of Academic Literacy and Linguistics at Borough of Manhattan Community College, The City University of New York.