American Speech is concerned principally with the English language in the Western Hemisphere, although articles dealing with English in other parts of the world, the influence of other languages by or on English, and linguistic theory are also published. The journal is not committed to any particular theoretical framework, and issues often contain contributions that appeal to a readership wider than the linguistic studies community. Since its founding in 1925, American Speech has been one of the foremost publications in its field. Regular features include a book review section and a "Miscellany" section devoted to brief essays and notes.

A not-for-profit scholarly publisher, Duke University Press is best known for publishing in the humanities, social sciences, and mathematics. As part of our mission to share the ideas of bold, progressive thinkers and support emerging and vital fields of scholarship, Duke University Press publishes approximately 150 books annually and over 60 journals, as well as offering several electronic collections and open-access (OA) publishing initiatives. Our specialties include African studies, African American studies, American studies, anthropology, art and art history, Asian studies, Asian American studies, Chicanx/Latinx studies, cultural studies, film and TV studies, indigenous and Native American studies, music, political and social theory, queer theory/LGBT studies, religion, science studies, and women's and gender studies.