I have resisted the term sociolinguistics for many years, since it implies that there can be a successful linguistic theory or practice which is not social.

I am now completing research supported by NSF and NEH that is mapping changes in the English language through all of North America, for both mainstream and minority communities.

We focus upon pairs of words very often which are the same in some areas and different in other areas.

It appears that the present-day form of African American English is not the inheritance of the period of slavery, but the creation of the second half of the 20th century.

However, research in the years that followed found that in many of its important features, African American Vernacular English was becoming not less, but more different from other dialects.

Well, American dialects have been studied for a hundred years or so.

But unlike European countries, America has never finished a map of the United States, only the eastern United States is covered and a few spots here and there.

Are you okay?" "Fan-fricking-tastic. Only way today could get better is if I were scheduled for an appendectomy. Without drugs. In a third-world country.

First of all, I never make a movie for awards consideration.

I had rather be right than be President.

At the present time there exist problems beyond our ability to solve, not because of theoretical difficulties, but because of insufficient means of mechanical computation.

Sean Connery wasn't the Scottish James Bond, and Daniel Craig wasn't the blue-eyed James Bond. So if I played him, I don't want to be called the black James Bond.

A man in whom religion is an inspiration, who has surrendered his being to its power, who drinks it, breathes it, bathes in it, cannot speak otherwise than religiously.

I don't think the NFL had the slightest intention of taking me, except as maybe a water boy.

More teenagers go to movies or rent a tape of a movie than sit down and watch sitcoms on television.

Those of you who have the talent to do honor to poor womanhood, have all given yourself over to baby-making. . .

You walked in, laughing, tears welling confused, mingling in your throat. How can you be so many women to so many people, oh you strange girl?