Language in Theory A Resource Book for Students

"Language in Theory" is a comprehensive introduction to the conceptual frameworks which underpin the study of language. It approaches theories of language through themes such as gender, race, creativity and cognition, allowing students to investigate language theory in practice, and provides classic readings by key names including Cixous, Derrida, Foucault and Lakoff.

The Routledge English Language Introductions series provides a one-stop resource for students of all areas of language and linguistic study. Assuming no prior knowledge of the subject, books in the series offer activities, study questions, sample analyses, commentaries and key readings - all in the same volume.Each book contains an introduction, development, exploration and extension section and includes real texts from a wide range of sources. An innovative 'two-dimensional' design enables easy and flexible use. A companion website will be launched to coincide with publication of the book.Language in Theory:*provides a comprehensive introduction to the conceptual frameworks which underpin the study of language*draws on a wide range of texts from recipes by Nigella Lawson to briefings by Donald Rumsfeld and writings by John Berger and Toni Morrison*provides classic readings by the key names in the field from Derrida and Foucault to Lakoff and Johnson.Written by experienced teachers and authors, this accessible textbook is an essential resource for all students of English language and literature as well as those with an interest in a variety of subjects from philosophy to cultural studies. The accompanying website can be found at http://www.routledge.com/textbooks/0415320488

Section A. Introduction: Key Issues in Language and Theory. 1. Gendered Language 2. The Language of 'Race' 3. Language and Society 4. Performative Language 5. Locating Intention 6. Consciousness and Cognition 7. Creativity in Writing 8. Figures 9. The Reception of Meaning Section B. Development: Further Issues in Language and Theory. 1. Writing Gender 2. Writing 'Race' 3. Language, Society and History 4. Language Performs 5. Dislocating Intention 6. Mind Reading 7. Creating Worlds 8. Figuration 9. Constructing Interpretations Section C. Exploration: Investigating Language in Theory. 1. Reading Gender 2. Reading 'Race' 3. Reading the Political 4. Language's Performances 5. Desiring Intention 6. Language and Mind 7. Forms of Creativity 8. Making Metaphors 9. Creating Interpretations Section D. Extension: Readings of Language in Theory. 1. Gender: Deborah Cameron 2. Race: Jacques Derrida 3. Society: Theodor Adorno 4. Performativity: Judith Butler 5. Intention: Michel Foucault 6. Cognition: Lakoff and Johnson 7. Creativity: Ronald Carter 8. Figuration: Barbara Johnson 9. Interpretation: Michael Toolan. Further Reading. References. Glossary. Index.

Mark Robson is a Lecturer in the English Department at the University of Nottingham and also teaches in the Centre for Critical Theory. Peter Stockwell is Senior Lecturer in the same department. He is an experienced author and editor and is author of Sociolinguistics, the first book in the Routledge English Language Introductions series.