Language and Social Relations: 24 (Studies in the Social and Cultural Foundations of Language, Series Number 24) - Softcover

Agha, Asif

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0521576857 ISBN 13: 9780521576857

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2010

Synopsis

Language is closely linked to our social relationships and is the medium through which we participate in a variety of social activities. This fascinating study explores the important role of language in various aspects of our social life, such as identity, gender relations, class, kinship, status, and hierarchies. Drawing on data from over thirty different languages and societies, it shows how language is more than simply a form of social action; it is also an effective tool with which we formulate models of social life and conduct. These models - or particular forms of social behaviour - are linked to the classification of 'types' of action or actor, and are passed 'reflexively' from person to person, and from generation to generation. Providing a unified way of accounting for a variety of social phenomena, this book will be welcomed by all those interested in the interaction between language, culture, and society.

About this title

Review

"Language and Social Relations is the most comprehensive and broad-ranging synthesis to date of a particular perspective on the study of language use..."
-Kwai Hang Ng, American Journal of Sociology

Book Description

Explores the important role of language in various aspects of our social life, such as identity, gender relations, class, kinship, status, and hierarchies. Drawing on authentic data from over thirty different languages and societies, it shows how we use language to formulate and transmit models of social life and conduct.

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 0521576857
• ISBN 13: 9780521576857
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 446