Communication, Linguistics, Semantics, Communication & Media Studies, General, Anthropology, Communications 

Most of us use language without giving much thought to the way it works or how it functions differently across cultures; however, the ability to use language is perhaps the most uniquely human of all our characteristics.Each of the forty-five readings in Making Sense of Language: Readings in Culture and Communication acts as a window--a particular perspective--on language. Chosen for their accessibility, these classic and contemporary selections engage students in thinking about language and how it relates to many aspects of being human.*A broad range of topics and viewpoints provides the ideal introduction to the study of language and presents instructors with a variety of options for teaching from the text.*Introductions to each part, thematic unit, and reading offer succinct historical and intellectual context to guide students and help them make connections among the topics and articles.*Pre- and post-reading questions, suggested activities, lists of key terms, suggested further readings, and a glossary aid students' understanding of the material.*Alongside canonical works, the volume includes selections on exciting contemporary topics--hip-hop, gossip, and the language of nerds, for example--that are familiar and accessible to students.About the EditorSusan Blum is Associate Professor of Anthropology at the University of Notre Dame. She is a cultural and linguistic anthropologist whose research has examined an array of issues in China and the United States. - from Amzon