Introduction

This chapter lays the foundation for the book and explains what is distinctive about African American communication and why it is worthy of study. After differentiating race, ethnicity, and culture the chapter offers a brief synopsis of the origins of African American culture situated in a cultural and interpretive approach. By placing the discussion of African American communication in the context of larger structural concerns like social issues like employment, healthcare, and education the book seeks to highlight inequities that have historically influenced African American culture and identity, and therefore African American communication. The chapter concludes with an overview of forthcoming chapters.