Making Sense of Language: Readings in Culture and Communication

Most of us use language without giving much thought to the way it works or how it functions differently across cultures; however, the ability to use language is perhaps the most uniquely human of all our characteristics.

Each of the forty-five readings in Making Sense of Language: Readings in Culture and Communication acts as a window--a particular perspective--on language. Chosen for their accessibility, these classic and contemporary selections engage students in thinking about language and how it relates to many aspects of being human.

*A broad range of topics and viewpoints provides the ideal introduction to the study of language and presents instructors with a variety of options for teaching from the text.

*Introductions to each part, thematic unit, and reading offer succinct historical and intellectual context to guide students and help them make connections among the topics and articles.

*Pre- and post-reading questions, suggested activities, lists of key terms, suggested further readings, and a glossary aid students' understanding of the material.

*Alongside canonical works, the volume includes selections on exciting contemporary topics--hip-hop, gossip, and the language of nerds, for example--that are familiar and accessible to students.

About the Editor

Susan Blum is Associate Professor of Anthropology at the University of Notre Dame. She is a cultural and linguistic anthropologist whose research has examined an array of issues in China and the United States.