Linguistic Justice

This book explores the educational challenges faced by African American youth, advocating for an inclusive approach to language education through Linguistic Justice.

In Linguistic Justice, Baker-Bell presents a research-driven framework aimed at fostering the healthy linguistic, racial, and cultural identity of African American youth. The book critiques the historical positioning of these students within the U.S. education system, which has often deemed them linguistically deficient. By addressing the systemic issues that contribute to this perception, Baker-Bell lays the groundwork for a more equitable approach to language education.

The author combines theory, research, and practical examples to confront Anti-Black Linguistic Racism and white linguistic supremacy. Through ethnographic snapshots, Linguistic Justice reveals how Black students navigate their linguistic and racial identities in various contexts. By sharing counterstories, Baker-Bell illustrates the emotional harm and internalized linguistic racism that traditional educational approaches can inflict on these students, affecting their sense of self and identity.

To promote Black linguistic liberation, Baker-Bell introduces Antiracist Black Language Pedagogy, a method that centers the linguistic and cultural needs of Black students. This volume not only showcases what this pedagogy looks like in practice but also emphasizes the importance of integrating theory, research, and practice in the pursuit of linguistic and racial justice. A vital resource for educators and scholars, Linguistic Justice includes multimodal examples and practices that highlight the urgent need for antiracist language pedagogies in today's social and political climate.