Titling is the first tool that a writer can use, especially in the context of a persuasive essay (an essay that presents a situation, takes a stand, and intends to convince readers to take the same stand). A primary goal of a title is to give readers a taste of the work’s subject and themes while also intriguing readers enough to make them want to read the work. Baldwin uses a rhetorical question as a title to draw in the reader and provoke them to consider an answer before he dispels myths and oppressive ideas associated with language.

With the title “If Black English Isn’t a Language, Then Tell Me, What Is?” James Baldwin communicates his thesis, the tenor of his argument, and his conclusion. His thesis is that Black English must be a language because it does what other languages do. His argument will present evidence that shows how Black English fills all the requirements of a language. His conclusion is that Black English is a language and, if it’s not, neither is anything else.