Black English Isn't a Language,

¶ … Black English Isn't a Language, Then Tell Me, What Is?" This paper will look at the argument presented by James Baldwin in his essay called "If Black English Isn't a Language, Then Tell Me, What Is?." This paper will discuss the logical soundness of the author's case by examining his line of reasoning and his use of evidence. Paying attention to writing style, structure of the argument, evidence provided and what is inferred by 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 use. He writes, "Language incontestably, reveals the speaker. Language, also, for more dubiously, is meant to define the other" (par. 1). He defines "other" as someone "refusing to be defined by a language that has never been able to recognize him" (Baldwin, par.1).

Does this mean that language applies to people in different ways? That one person using a certain language can totally reject it and invent a new one out of the old? Baldwin seems to think so and continues this stance by offering a solid example. He elaborates that people from different French speaking countries use French differently to a point the French being used has a different context for the setting.

"A Frenchman living in Paris speaks a subtly and crucially different language from that of the man living in Marseilles" (Baldwin, par. 2). He uses this element of context to back up his argument about English acting the same way. How does he do this effectively? Could this argument prove the element of context applies not only to nationality but also race? He believes language acts a universal tool for humanity despite the issue of context.

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 this regard, he believes with knowledge of language comes power and it can be used a political tool. He reflects that there is a time and place for its use, "reveals the private identity, and connects one with, or divorces one from, the larger, public, or communal identity" (Baldwin, par. 3).

He explains because language is powerful, using it correctly is important and could mean life or death in certain situations. Still the individual speaking brings to language their style of articulation. He explains his argument also applies to English. The variations found are less to do with physical surroundings but more to do with class, race and the relationship between the two.

He comments that he does not "know what white Americans would sound like if there had never been any black people in the United States, but they would not sound the way they sound" (Baldwin, par. 4). This only solidifies the idea that one language can feed off the other over a period of time. He conveys this idea through his word usage. He uses alliteration and repetition to continue his argument throughout. While doing this his word choice is very intellectual with words containing more than two syllables.

He uses this word choice to convey the power of language. He does this because as a Black man, he wants the white world to see different context is possible. In this respect, he establishes his argument by applying a strong tone along with his word usage. This style is effective because while it is strong it is also communicating to every person who respects language. He concludes powerful language can be difficult to attain in a society not made for you and this can halt progress.

He brings up a valid point. Yes, language is powerful but it is also segmented. Not just in nationality but in race. He regrets his people have not received adequate education. "The brutal truth is that the bulk of white people in American never had any interest in educating black people, except as this could serve white purposes" (Baldwin, par. 10). Another aspect of style that is unique to this essay is his use of italics and parentheses for emphasis of his thought process.

These two techniques also apply a certain amount of stress to the words and this also accents his tone of growing anger. Still Baldwin structures his argument effectively because he takes his time. Instead of diving right in and being aggressive, he takes the approach of telling the argument like a story. This gains the reader's approval even when the content gets unsettling. It can be difficult to present the issue of race without coming off as hostile but his tone remains calm and powerful.

It is only within the last paragraphs, his tone becomes slightly elevated and this is only because.