The chapters of this volume explore the intimate relations of society, language and mind: the development of each of these depends on the contribution of the other two. In this sense they are co-genetic: mind has recently been described by the famous neuro-scientist, Susan Greenfield, as 'personalized brain.' The development of human mind depends on what it experiences; for human beings, experience goes beyond sensation: it is made of meaning, and interpretation/meaning, in turn, is construed by the various semiotic modalities, of which language is perhaps the most flexible and most pervasive. But language has itself evolved in the course of attempts to reach an 'other.' By shaping the nature of communication, human relations shape also the nature of language; meanings exchanged in verbal interaction become a major force in shaping forms of consciousness; and our consciousness reveals itself in our cultural practices, our ways of being, doing and saying.

"Ruqaiya Hasan's Language, Society and Consciousness is a powerful demonstration of the need for a unified framework, bringing together linguistics, sociology, and biology for understanding the social semiotic nature of minded beings. This volume provides subtle and revealing readings from a galaxy of other leading thinkers at the same time that she poses questions and provide answers that will impact on our future thinking about linguistic and social development and change for years to come. This book is a must for all those who are interested in these arguments." Paul J. Thibault, professor in linguistics and media communication, Høgskolen I Agder, Kristiansand, Norway