'Talking Black in America' shown at Claflin

(Panther photo by Jasminn Dow)

Related video by QuiEra A. Evans:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZjr9j44L1Y

One of the featured linguists in the documentary film "Talking Black in America" came to Claflin during a screening on Nov. 2.

Tracey Weldon from the University of South Carolina was present to watch the documentary with the community. After the viewing, she informed the audience about the film’s process and discussed being a part of it.

The documentary features footage and interviews with people across the country. It showcases the history and symbolic role of language in the lives of African-Americans and highlights its impact on the speech and culture of the United States.

Weldon cited the advantage of having the film in a classroom setting as a teaching resource.

“I’ve wanted this resource for many years,” Weldon said.

She stressed that the purpose of the film is to have a resource that can be used in linguist classes and African-American English. Also, the film is to be accessible to those who do not have a linguist background.

“We want to educate anyone who’s interested,” Weldon said.