The word on the street

In this book, linguist John McWhorter challenges the conservative notion that popular culture is corrupting the English language, arguing against the existence of a pure and correct standard English.

He tackles controversial positions on language change, Black English, and grammar debates, providing a fact-based rebuttal to common fables about American English for general readers.

Originally published in 1998 by Plenum Trade, it was reissued by Basic Books.