Be sure to read Amy Tan's essay 'Mother Tongue' and James Baldwin's 'Black English.' Under 'Readings' folder.  How does Baldwin define ‘language’? In what ways is his definition central argument? According to Baldwin, what is the origin of black English? In what ways black English “a language that permits the nation its only glimpse of reality, a language without which nation would be even more whipped than it is” (6)? What do you think Baldwin fears has happened and will continue to happen if black children are required to learn standard English? Do you see any problems with using black English for the instruction of black children? Explain. Compare to Baldwin's 'Black English,' what common themes do they share? Think about gender, class, and race, and how all these influence their writing.