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Language, this book argues, is political from top to bottom, whether
considered at the level of an individual speaker’s choice of language or
style of discourse with others (where interpersonal politics are
performed), or at the level of political rhetoric, or indeed all the way up
to the formation of national languages. By bringing together this set of
topics and highlighting how they are interrelated, the book will function
well as a textbook on any applied or sociolinguistic course in which some
or all of these various aspects of the politics of language are covered.
The chapter headings include:
* How politics permeates language (and vice-versa)
* Language and nation
* The social politics of language choice and linguistic correctness
* Politics embedded in language
* Taboo language and its restriction
* Rhetoric, propaganda and interpretation
* Power, hegemony and choices
Table of Contents
1. Overview
2. Language and nation
3. The social politics of language choice and linguistic correctness
4. Politics embedded in language
5. Taboo language and its restriction
6. Rhetoric, propaganda and interpretation
7. Conclusion: power, hegemony and choices
"Few applied linguists in the 21st century either could or would want to
deny the significance of political questions for their thinking and their
practice. Teachers and students of applied linguistics will therefore
welcome John Joseph's wide-ranging and informative text. In the spirit of
his initial declaration that 'language is political from top to bottom',
Joseph brings together issues that are often kept apart, draws on insights
from a range of disciplines and thinkers, and offers - while explicitly
inviting the reader to argue or disagree with him - his own perspectives on
such topical questions as linguistic imperialism and the global spread of
English, hate speech and politically correct language, and the 'manufacture
of consent' through political propaganda. The result is a grown-up
introductory text, addressed to readers who want their textbooks to make
them think." Deborah Cameron, Rupert Murdoch Professor of Language and
Communication, University of Oxford
Language and Politics is available in North America through Columbia
University Press.
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