The Power and the Word: Language, Power and Change

by Roger W. Andersen

In recent years the relatively new disciplines of ethnography, psycho- and socio-linguistics have muschroomed, and many language-related studies have been published. The previously dominant structural approach based on Chomsky's transformational grammar has given way to a more interactive view which examines language in its social and cultural contexts.

The Power and the Word embraces the latter view, studying the relation of language to power and change in society. Following a detailed examination of current theories of the origins of language, the author goes on to look at the role of language in a variety of social contexts: the official language of law and bureaucracy, the use of jargon, styles of persuasion in the media and propaganda, class usage, and the relation between language and gender.

In conclusion the book examines the role of the individual in drawing attention through language to a range of problems and conflicts in society and thus, perhaps, opening the way to change.

315 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1988

About the author

Professor Roger W. Andersen, a faculty member since 1979, is a graduate of Knox College (BA), the University of Iowa (JD), and the University of Illinois (LLM). Prior to joining the faculty, Professor Andersen worked in a bank trust department in Michigan, was in private practice in Seattle and taught at Oklahoma City University School of Law. He assumed Emeritus status in December, 2004 and currently teaches Legal Drafting.

Professor Andersen has written in the fields of estate planning, disability law, environmental law and real property. He has also published a book for the general public on Disability Planning.