Making Sense of Language: Readings in Culture and Communication

by Susan D. Blum

Chosen for their accessibility and variety, the readings in Making Sense of Readings in Culture and Communication , Third Edition, engage students in thinking about the nature of language--arguably the most uniquely human of all our characteristics--and its involvement in every aspect of human society and experience. Instead of taking an ideological stance on specific issues, the text presents a range of theoretical and disciplinary perspectives and bolsters them with pedagogical support, including unit and chapter introductions; critical-thinking, reading, and application questions; suggested further reading; and a comprehensive glossary. Questions of power, identity, interaction, ideology, and the nature of language and other semiotic systems are woven throughout the third edition of Making Sense of Language , making it an exemplary text for courses in language and culture, linguistic anthropology, sociolinguistics, and four-field anthropology.

Genres: Anthropology, Linguistics, Nonfiction, Language, Textbooks, School

656 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2008

Reviews

[Dylan]

An outstanding collection of readings for linguistic anthropology. And the essays are often edited for length and relevance. I've loved teaching with this and have learned so much.

One thing I especially appreciate about this collection (and about Blum's approach) is that power and hierarchy are consistently shown to operate in language. That is, language is not a neutral medium for expression, but a dynamic, contested terrain where ideologies of gender, class, race, and sexuality play out.

Blum is an acknowledged expert in the field and this volume is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to teach a course or just learn the subject matter.

[Nicole]

Textbook

[Jillian]

This semester, I took Language and Culture at my college, and we used this textbook. I thought it was an interesting read. A variety of topics relating to language and culture are covered, and it was easy enough to understand. I am glad to be done with it, but I didn't hate it.