African American English provides a timely, comprehensive, state of the art survey of linguistic research. The book examines the linguistics features of African American English (AAE), as well as the sociological, political and educational issues connected with it. The editors are leading experts in the field and along with other key figures, notably William Labov, Geneva Smitherman and Walt Wolfram, provide an authoritative, diverse guide to this topical subject area. Drawing on many contemporary references, the Oakland School controversy, the rap of Ice-T, the contributors reflect the state of current scholarship on African American English, and actively dispel many misconceptions, address new questions and explore new approaches.