Using English

by Maybin; Janet

• ISBN13: 9780415376815
• ISBN10: 0415376815
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2007-02-23
• Publisher: Routledge

Summary

Using English provides an invaluable introduction to the study of English for students of language and linguistics. It examines the way in which the English language is used today in different contexts and in many parts of the world, by both native and non-native speakers. Issues of language use in speech and writing, in work and play, and in persuading and informing are explored and illustrated with data and readings from around the English-using world. The reader is introduced to the adaptations and variations in English language use and to debates relating to how these are perceived and evaluated by different groups of users. For this new book, key material from the earlier bestselling book, Using English: From Conversation to Canon , has been reorganised and updated, and entirely new material introduced. This new content is based on recent research in the field, as well as on contemporary thinking about how speakers and writers use the English language to accomplish a huge rangeof purposes in a variety of linguistic and cultural settings. Drawing on The Open University's wide experience of writing accessible and innovative texts, this book: explains basic concepts, easily located through a comprehensive index includes contributions by experts in the field, such as Mike Baynham, Adrian Beard, Guy Cook, Sharon Goodman, Almut Koester, Janet Maybin and NeilMercer contains a range of source material and commissioned readings to supplement chapters.

Table of Contents

Preface to the series	p. i
Biographical information	p. ii
Introduction	p. 1
Everyday talk	p. 5
Introduction	p. 5
The structure and function of conversation	p. 5
Context and meaning	p. 13
Communicative strategies and conversation style	p. 18
Stories, accounts and identity	p. 24
Conclusion	p. 30
Communicative strategies in Aboriginal English	p. 31
The role of compliments in female-male interaction	p. 36
Using English to persuade	p. 43
Introduction	p. 43
Contexts of persuasion	p. 43
Political rhetoric	p. 48
Advertising	p. 62
Conclusion	p. 70
Renewal, modernisation, and reform	p. 73
'The light has gone out': Indian traditions in English rhetoric	p. 74
Language play in English	p. 83
Introduction	p. 83
The value of play	p. 83
Playing around us	p. 85
Song	p. 89
Graffiti	p. 98
The slip of the pun	p. 103
Interpersonal play	p. 107
Conclusion	p. 111
Songs in Singlish	p. 113
Extract from 'Social issues on walls: graffiti in university lavatories'	p. 116
Literacy practices in English	p. 123
Introduction	p. 123
Speech and writing	p. 123
Text and context	p. 127
Reading and writing practices in English	p. 140
Diversity and change	p. 146
Literacy as a loaded term	p. 150
Conclusion	p. 151
Place semiotics: code preference	p. 153
Changing literacy practices in a South African informal settlement	p. 160
English at work	p. 167
Introduction	p. 167
English among co-workers	p. 172
Working with the public	p. 185
Conclusion	p. 191
Constructing the virtual building: language on a building site	p. 192
Professionals and clients: form filling and the control of talk	p. 197
Market forces speak English	p. 205
Introduction	p. 205
Informalisation	p. 207
The marketisation of English	p. 211
Designing the language of employees: 'speaking another language' at work	p. 227
Conclusion	p. 231
Selling in Singapore	p. 232
The marketization of public discourse: the universities	p. 241
Making judgements about English	p. 245
Introduction	p. 245
Correctness	p. 248
Appropriateness	p. 265
Social judgements	p. 267
Offensive language	p. 269
Conclusion	p. 274
Extracts from 'Why do purists grumble so much?'	p. 276
Extracts from Rediscover Grammar with David Crystal	p. 277
'A rule without reason'	p. 278
References	p. 281
Acknowledgements	p. 290
Index	p. 292
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