The Struggle and the Tools: Oral and Literate Strategies in an Inner City Community

Focusing on the daily lives of African-American residents in an inner city neighborhood, the book delves into their unique language use and strategies developed over three-and-a-half years of fieldwork. It highlights the "tools" employed by these individuals to navigate social institutions and acquire respect amidst their "struggle." By analyzing their linguistic skills and the dynamics of power they engage with, the work offers an authentic portrayal of their experiences, emphasizing agency without glorification.