Keynote: "Why Linguistic Diversity?" by Walt Wolfram

Notwithstanding the current surge of concern for diversity in our institutions, language diversity is often absent or dismissed from the current diversity canon in most institutions, including higher education. Yet language discrimination remains “so commonly accepted, so widely perceived as appropriate, that it must be seen as the last back door to discrimination.” (Lippi- Green 2012:73). Why are knowledge and action targeting linguistic diversity critical in American society and in higher education? This presentation demonstrates the severity of linguistic discrimination in higher education and offers venues for disseminating information about language variation to the public and in institutions of higher learning.

The film "Talking Black in America" and discussion address the creativity and resilience of people living through oppression, segregation, and the fight for equality and the powerful identity forged by a shared heritage are all expressed in the ways African Americans communicate. "Talking Black in America" chronicles the incredible impact of African American English on American language and culture. Filmed across the United States and beyond, this documentary is a revelation of language as legacy, identity and triumph over adversity. The executive producer, Professor Walt Wolfram, a world-renowned sociolinguistics researcher and educator, will answer questions and discuss African American language variation and its social implications.

NOTE: It is suggested that viewers watch the film before the keynote address. The film can be viewed for free at https://vimeo.com/288596262, password: TBiA DVD.