Linguistic Criticism

by Roger Fowler

A particularly fruitful development in literary studies has been the application of ideas drawn from linguistics. Precise analytical methods help the practical criticism of texts, while at the same time the theory of language has illuminated literary theory. Linguistic Criticism is an accessible introduction to this often confusing subject. Fowler sets out clearly and simply a variety of analytical techniques whose application he demonstrates in discussions of a wide range of texts drawn from fiction, poetry, and drama. He concentrates on structures that relate literature to ordinary language, stressing the importance of the reader's everyday language skills. This second edition has clarified and expanded sections on the role of the reader in literary criticism and includes more twentieth-century texts and examples.

Genres: Linguistics, Reference, Nonfiction, Literature, Language

272 pages, Paperback

First published March 20, 1986

Reviews

[Mohammad Ranjbari · Rating 3 out of 5]

سبک و زبان در نقد ادبی، بر خلاف تصورم، کتابی مناسب مخاطب ایرانی نبود و این تقصیر مترجم یا خواننده نیست. زیرا نویسنده تمام تمرکز خود را به زبان روزمرۀ آمریکا و انگلیسی اختصاص داده است و در ترجمه و مثال ها کارایی و تعبیر درستی برای ما شامل نمی شود. در برخی از مباحث نیز کلیت بسیار تخصصی کتاب باعث نا آشنایی مخاطب با متن می شود. به عنوان مثال، زبانشناسی هالیدی که تحت عنوان «زبانشناسی نقش گرا» مشهور است، به تازگی و از سال 1395 در ایران ترجمه می شود و کاربست مبانی این شاخه از زبانشناسی در این کتاب برای مخاطب ایرانی ثقیل و سنگین است. اما برای دانشجویان ارشد و دکتری زبانشناسی، بی شک یکی از منابع مهم و برجسته خواهد بود. عناوین فهرست بسیار ضروری و جامع و کامل است. به نوعی که می توان این کتاب را دورۀ فشردۀ مبانی زبان شناسی، مسائل و رویکردها نامید.

97/07/07

[Kriangkrai Vathanalaoha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to buy this book for my Master's Degree individual research. It is one of rare books that I cannot put it down. Fowler gives tremendous information about how to approach literature by a linguistic aspect. The price is quite too expensive for literary scholars but its invaluable texts are deserving it. Beautiful cover and suitable size for travelling.

[amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the textbook for a Linguistic Criticism class I took Fall semester 06. It's so well written and really fun to read. I've never felt this passionately about a textbook. Fowler is really bright and shares so much knowledge, he really gets the reader thinking.

[Glitter · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very clear concise treatment of linguistc criticism. I feel I have learned a lot and it really gives me something to think about when I'm reading the next fiction book.

[Ash Hartwell · Rating 3 out of 5]

One for the study of linguistics at degree plus level. Helpful and readable but at times a little heavy for the new student of the subject.

[Mark Doherty · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found the style of this book detracted from the interesting content. Even the introduction was written in such an overly academic register it became a very boring read!

[Ophelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stylistics fucks.

[Haneen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore this book, it taught me many things and changed my view for literature and it's relationship with linguistics. Spot on examples and easy writing, all in all an enjoyable read. Highly recommend.