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Signs of Difference: Language and Ideology in Social Life

Signs of Difference: Language and Ideology in Social Life

by Susan Gal (Author)

  • New

    Paperback 2019

    $25.80
Synopsis

How are peoples' ideas about languages, ways of speaking and expressive styles shaped by their social positions and values? How is difference, in language and in social life, made -- and unmade? How and why are some differences persuasive as the basis for action, while other differences are ignored or erased? Written by two recognised authorities on language and culture, this book argues that ideological work of all kinds is fundamentally communicative, and that social positions, projects and historical moments influence, and are influenced by, people's ideas about communicative practices. Neither true nor false, ideologies are positioned and partial visions of the world, relying on comparison and perspective; they exploit differences in expressive features - linguistic and otherwise - to construct convincing stereotypes of people, spaces and activities. Using detailed ethnographic, historical and contemporary examples, this outstanding book shows readers how to analyse ideological work semiotically.

$25.80

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More Information

Format: Paperback
 Pages: 332
 Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Published: 31 May 2019
ISBN 10: 1108741290
ISBN 13: 9781108741293
Book Overview: An important study of how signs and sign relations create social and linguistic differences - and unities.

Media Reviews
Systematically mapping out new theoretical and empirical ground, this field-defining book richly develops the promise of Susan Gal and Judith Irvine's influential approach to understanding ideologies of linguistic and social difference. In crystal-clear analyses of ethnographic and historical material from Africa, Central Europe, and the United States, they make accessible the interlocking semiotic processes through which ordinary folks and experts alike create consequential contrasts between kinds of people. This landmark study will be essential reading for scholars of social relations well beyond the borders of linguistic anthropology. Kathryn A. Woolard, University of California, San Diego
Author Bio
Susan Gal is Distinguished Service Professor of Anthropology and Linguistics at the University of Chicago. She is author of 'Language Shift' (1979), co-author with Gail Kligman of 'Politics of Gender After Socialism' (2000) and co-editor with Kathryn Woolard of 'Languages and Publics: The Making of Authority' (2001). Judith T. Irvine is Edward Sapir Collegiate Professor of Linguistic Anthropology at the University of Michigan. Author of many articles and chapters in linguistic anthropology, she is co-editor with Jane H. Hill of 'Responsibility and Evidence in Oral Discourse' (1993); co-editor with Regna Darnell et al. of the 'Collected Works of Edward Sapir' (1999) and Associate Editor of the journal 'Language in Society'.