This work investigates the linguistic structure and social implications of non-standard varieties of English, specifically focusing on the dialect often referred to as Black English. Robbins Burling, a professor of anthropology and linguistics, utilizes his extensive academic background to analyze the grammatical, phonological, and social dimensions of these speech patterns. He argues that non-standard dialects are rule-governed systems rather than deviations from a perceived standard, providing a framework for understanding language variation within American society.

Linguists and educators frequently cite this text as a foundational resource for understanding the systematic nature of non-standard English varieties. Readers often note the academic density of the prose, which is intended for students and researchers within the field of sociolinguistics.