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Making Sense of Language: Readings in Culture and Communication
Most of us use language without giving much thought to the way it works or how it functions differently across cultures; however, the ability to use language is perhaps the most uniquely human of all our characteristics.
Each of the forty-five readings in Making Sense of Readings in Culture and Communication acts as a window--a particular perspective--on language. Chosen for their accessibility, these classic and contemporary selections engage students in thinking about language and how it relates to many
aspects of being human.
*A broad range of topics and viewpoints provides the ideal introduction to the study of language and presents instructors with a variety of options for teaching from the text.
*Introductions to each part, thematic unit, and reading offer succinct historical and intellectual context to guide students and help them make connections among the topics and articles.
*Pre- and post-reading questions, suggested activities, lists of key terms, suggested further readings, and a glossary aid students' understanding of the material.
*Alongside canonical works, the volume includes selections on exciting contemporary topics--hip-hop, gossip, and the language of nerds, for example--that are familiar and accessible to students.
About the Editor
Susan Blum is Associate Professor of Anthropology at the University of Notre Dame. She is a cultural and linguistic anthropologist whose research has examined an array of issues in China and the United States.
Each of the forty-five readings in Making Sense of Readings in Culture and Communication acts as a window--a particular perspective--on language. Chosen for their accessibility, these classic and contemporary selections engage students in thinking about language and how it relates to many
aspects of being human.
*A broad range of topics and viewpoints provides the ideal introduction to the study of language and presents instructors with a variety of options for teaching from the text.
*Introductions to each part, thematic unit, and reading offer succinct historical and intellectual context to guide students and help them make connections among the topics and articles.
*Pre- and post-reading questions, suggested activities, lists of key terms, suggested further readings, and a glossary aid students' understanding of the material.
*Alongside canonical works, the volume includes selections on exciting contemporary topics--hip-hop, gossip, and the language of nerds, for example--that are familiar and accessible to students.
About the Editor
Susan Blum is Associate Professor of Anthropology at the University of Notre Dame. She is a cultural and linguistic anthropologist whose research has examined an array of issues in China and the United States.
504 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
September 10, 2024
An outstanding collection of readings for linguistic anthropology. And the essays are often edited for length and relevance. I've loved teaching with this and have learned so much.
One thing I especially appreciate about this collection (and about Blum's approach) is that power and hierarchy are consistently shown to operate in language. That is, language is not a neutral medium for expression, but a dynamic, contested terrain where ideologies of gender, class, race, and sexuality play out.
Blum is an acknowledged expert in the field and this volume is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to teach a course or just learn the subject matter.
One thing I especially appreciate about this collection (and about Blum's approach) is that power and hierarchy are consistently shown to operate in language. That is, language is not a neutral medium for expression, but a dynamic, contested terrain where ideologies of gender, class, race, and sexuality play out.
Blum is an acknowledged expert in the field and this volume is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to teach a course or just learn the subject matter.
January 13, 2011
Textbook
April 13, 2017
This semester, I took Language and Culture at my college, and we used this textbook. I thought it was an interesting read. A variety of topics relating to language and culture are covered, and it was easy enough to understand. I am glad to be done with it, but I didn't hate it.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews