Synopses & Reviews
Accessible and clearly written, Living Language: An Introduction to Linguistic Anthropology introduces readers to the study of language in real-life social contexts around the world through the contemporary theory and practice of linguistic anthropology.A highly accessible introduction to the study of language in real-life social contexts around the worldCombines classic studies on language and cutting-edge contemporary scholarship and assumes no prior knowledge in linguistics or anthropologyProvides a unifying synthesis of current research and considers future directions for the fieldCovers key topics such as: language and gender, race, and ethnicity; language acquisition and socialization in children and adults; language death and revitalization; performance; language and thought; literacy practices; and multilingualism and globalization
Review
“Overall, this reviewer finds the book balanced, appreciable and well written.” (
Anthropological Notebooks, 1 October 2012)
“In conclusion, we strongly recommend the book for both undergraduate and graduate introductory courses. In conclusion, we strongly recommend the book for both undergraduate and graduate introductory courses.” (Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute, 1 November 2012)"It is a very useful as a library resource and for general readers, as it is well organized, clearly written, and supported with both classic and recent studies. Summing Up: Recommended. General and undergraduate libraries." (Choice, 1 January 2012)
Synopsis
Accessible and clearly written, Living
Synopsis
Living
About the Author
Laura M. Ahearn is Associate Professor of Anthropology at Rutgers University, USA. She is the author of Invitations to Love: Literacy, Love Letters, and Social Change in Nepal.
Table of Contents
Preface.
Acknowledgments.
PART ONE: LANGUAGE – SOME BASIC QUESTIONS.
1. Introduction: The Socially Charged Life of Language.
2. The Research Process in Linguistic Anthropology.
3. Language Acquisition and Socialization.
4. Language, Thought, and Culture.
PART TWO: COMMUNITIES OF SPEAKERS, HEARERS, READERS, AND WRITERS.
5. Communities of Language Users.
6. Multilingualism in Globalization.
7. Literacy Practices.
8. Performance, Performativity, and the Constitution of Communities.
PART THREE: LANGUAGE, POWER, AND SOCIAL DIFFERENTIATION.
9. Language and Gender.
10. Language, Race, and Ethnicity.
11. Language Death and Revitalization.
12. Conclusion: Language, Power, and Agency.
References Cited.