Language and control

by Roger Fowler, Bob Hodge, Gunther Kress

Originally published in 1979. This book studies language variation as a part of social practice - how language expresses and helps regulate social relationships of all kinds. Different groups, classes, institutions and situations have their special modes of language and these varieties are not just stylistic reflections of social differences; speaking or writing in a certain manner entails articulating certain social meanings, however implicit. This book focuses on the repressive and falsifying side of linguistic practice but not without recognising the power of language to reveal and communicate. It analyses the language used in a variety of situations, including news reporting, interviews, rules and regulations, even such apparently innocuous language as the rhymes on greetings cards. It argues for a critical linguistics capable of exposing distortion and mystification in language, and introduces some basic tools for a do-it-yourself analysis of language, ideology and control.

Genres: Linguistics, Politics

224 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1979

Reviews

[Cyndi Lu · Rating 4 out of 5]

an excellent book that explores the way sociolinguistics is linked to critical theory. very much enjoyed the analysis of various sources concerning newspapers as well as the chapter on orwellian rhetoric

[Oliver Terrones · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hay un ensayo muy bueno de Bob Hodge y Roger Fowler, casi al principio, llamado 'Lingüística orwelliana'. 'Orwelliana' por George Orwell, claro; específicamente '1984' (1949). Superrecomiendo.