A lead in to the panel Makakau ʻŌlelo: A conversation on ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi and Black Language at UH Mānoa the very next day, this special film screening and discussion features a collaboration between the Pōpolo Project and the Mo‘olelo Movement Series. We're offering the first Hawai‘i showing of critically acclaimed documentary Talking Black in America, set for international distribution later this year. Join us for post-film talk story with linguist Dr. Akiemi Glenn, artist Joy Enomoto, and community members.
Film synopsis:
Talking Black in America
Directed by Neal Hutcheson and Danica Cullinan. 2018. USA. 66 minutes.
African American English is the most controversial and misunderstood variety of speech in America. Linguistic discrimination continues to affect speakers of the variety, and the ways it is linked to educational achievement and literacy are widely misunderstood by the public and by professionals in a number of allied fields. National discussions of language issues ranging from the proposed amendment to the Constitution to make English the official language of the United States to the public controversy about the decision of the Oakland Unified School Board to recognize Ebonics in their curriculum have indicated the critical, symbolic role of language differences in American society. With the perspectives of everyday speakers and the guidance of historians, linguists, and educators, Talking Black in America showcases the history and symbolic role of language in the lives of African Americans and highlights its tremendous impact on the speech and culture of the United States. The documentary addresses the persistent misinformation about African American speech and situates it as an integral part of the historical and cultural legacy of all Americans.
