Language and Identity: An Introduction

Key Topics in Sociolinguistics

by John R. Edwards

The language we use forms an important part of our sense of who we are - of our identity. This book outlines the relationship between our identity as members of groups - ethnic, national, religious and gender - and the language varieties important to each group. What is a language? What is a dialect? Are there such things as language 'rights'? Must every national group have its own unique language? How have languages, large and small, been used to spread religious ideas? Why have particular religious and linguistic 'markers' been so central, singly or in combination, to the ways in which we think about ourselves and others? Using a rich variety of examples, the book highlights the linkages among languages, dialects and identities, with special attention given to religious, ethnic and national allegiances.

Genres: Linguistics, Nonfiction, Language

Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

John Edwards teaches in the Department of Psychology at St Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Canada.

Reviews

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like the way Edwards writes -- he's pretty funny and not shy about his thoughts. The earlier chapters were more relevant for me. I'm looking forward to reading his new book on linguistics and education.

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed it a lot, but found it to be somewhat overly generalized, with the main focus being explaining what identity is and why language is relevant to it at all. I felt it lacked more specific cases of the language-identity relationship and some detail in the coverage of specific problem like gender and language, human rights and language, etc.

[Jānis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book which certainly goes beyond the defined limits of sociolinguistics. It discusses topics of general importance. Among others, an up-to-date insight is provided in such topics as language, identity and nationalism.

[Rick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Judy, Shahrzad, and I should definitely use this book for the Language and Identity class we hope to co-teach.