Language and Subjectivity

Key Topics in Applied Linguistics

by Tim McNamara

Understanding the role of language within the formation of a sense of self has been revolutionised by developments in social theory, particularly poststructuralism. There is now a new emphasis on the way in which subjects are vulnerable in the face of powerful discourses such as nation, gender, race and sexuality. This book is a clear and engaging introduction to these developments and their relevance to students of language. Using lively and often personal examples throughout, Tim McNamara explores the role of language within processes of subjectivity using the insights of conversation analysis (CA), creating an original conceptual and methodological bridge between the macro- and micro-dimensions of social discourse and everyday conversational interaction.

256 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 15, 2014

About the author

Tim McNamara is Professor in the Department of Linguistics and Applied Linguistics at the University of Melbourne, Australia.