James Baldwin was an amazing writer. some would say he had a way with his words. he was known for many articles but there is one in specific. Baldwin in 1979 has an essay called If Black English Isnt a Language, Then Tell Me, What Is?this essay he really delves into the purpose of language. Not only one for some people that live and know what type of english they are speaking but as well as Focusing on black english and relating it to the way of life for a African American. he had an main argument throughout the text that was language is not just way of speech, but also a way of self definition. a tool of cultural survival. Baldwin is a strong believer and protector of the legitimacy of black english. He writes about black english because to dismiss it being an language is simply another way of denying history and experiences of African AmericansBaldwin begins to start his argument with the idea that language is inherently connected to identity. he claims that language, incontestably, reveals the speaker, strongly implying that through language is how people define themselves , as well as their communities, and their realities. he argues, that language does more then just carries; it reviews the historical,social, and cultural experiences of a person. Black english to Baldwin was considered a product of the experience of African Americans, coming from a linguistic perspective to the struggles of being enslaved, oppressed, and racial discrimination.throughout history, many groups that was harshly treated used language as a form of resistance and survival. Black english was made to create stability in identity when things get tense and difficult, especially for African Americans. especially when there are forces trying to erase and subjugate them. Baldwin claims that black english isnt an illogical or lesser than the standard english many speak today. instead its considered as its own form of language. it is rich with culture and history.