Clarifying Academic Focus

The speakers address misconceptions about their academic work and public perception, particularly related to John McWhorter's expertise. McWhorter emphasizes that while he is often associated with the study of Black English and sociolects, his primary focus lies in language change and contact across various languages globally. He asserts that his scholarly contributions extend far beyond the narrow categorizations found in his Wikipedia entry, asserting his broader interest in how languages evolve over time. This clarification is particularly important for both the speakers and their audience to understand their comprehensive academic endeavors.