Geneva Smitherman
4 books
About the Author
Geneva Smitherman is a pioneering linguist and scholar whose groundbreaking work has illuminated the intersections of language, race, and power in American society. A professor emerita at Michigan State University, she has dedicated her career to advocating for Black English as a legitimate dialect, challenging linguistic biases and promoting cultural equity through her research and activism. In her seminal book, Articulate While Black: Barack Obama, Language, and Race in the U.S., Smitherman dissects the rhetorical strategies employed by President Obama, revealing how language shapes perceptions of race and identity in public discourse. Her contributions extend to education and policy, influencing how language diversity is taught and understood, making her an enduring voice for social justice and linguistic inclusion.
Common genres
Writing style
scholarly
insightful
advocacy-driven
Books by Geneva Smitherman
