Vernacular Eloquence: What Speech Can Bring to Writing
Vernacular Eloquence: What Speech Can Bring to Writing
Professor of English Emeritus
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Abstract
This book examines the role of the spoken word in writing. It begins by questioning the basic cultural assumption that speaking and writing are two very different, incompatible modes of expression, and that we should keep them separate. The book explores the many linguistic and rhetorical virtues of speech—spontaneity, naturalness of expression, fluidity of thought—to show that many of these virtues can usefully be brought to writing. The book suggests that we begin the writing process by “speaking” our words onto the page, letting the words and ideas flow without struggling to be “correct.” Speaking can help us at the later stages of writing, too, as we read drafts aloud and then revise until the language feels right in the mouth and sounds right in the ear. The result is stronger, clearer, more natural writing that avoids the stilted, worried-over quality that so often alienates (and bores) the reader. The book connects these practices to a larger theoretical discussion of literacy in our culture, arguing that our rules for correct writing make it harder than necessary to write well. In particular, our culture's conception of proper writing devalues the human voice, the body, and the linguistic power of people without privilege.
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Front Matter
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Part One What’s Best in Speaking and Writing?
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Introduction: “Speech” and “Writing”
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1
Speaking and Writing as They are Used: The Role of Culture
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2
What’s Good about Writing
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3
Speaking as a Process: What Can It Offer Writing?
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4
Speech as a Product: Nine Virtues in Careless Unplanned Spoken Language that Can Significantly Improve Careful Writing
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5
Intonation: A Virtue for Writing at the Root of Everyday Speech
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6
Can We Really Have the Best of Both Worlds?
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Introduction: “Speech” and “Writing”
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Part Two Speaking onto the Page: A Role for the Tongue in the Early Stages of Writing
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Part Three Reading Aloud to Revise: A Role for the Tongue during Late Stages of Writing
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Introduction: What Is Standard English?
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11
Revising by Reading Aloud: What the Mouth and Ear Know
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12
How Does Revising by Reading Aloud Actually Work?
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13
Punctuation: Living with Two Traditions
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14
Good Enough Punctuation by Careful Reading Aloud and Listening
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15
How Speech Can Improve the Organization of Writing: Form as Energy
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16
Summary Chapter: The Benefits of Speaking onto the Page and Reading Aloud
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Introduction: What Is Standard English?
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Part Four Vernacular Literacy
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End Matter
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