Using English

Description

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 second edition, key material from the earlier bestselling book, Using English: From Conversation to Canon, has been reorganized and updated, and entirely new material has been 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 range of 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 Neil Mercer, contains a range of source material and commissioned readings to supplement chapters. Cover Half Title Series Page Title Page Copyright Page Contents Preface to the series Biographical information Introduction 1 Everyday talk 1.1 Introduction 1.2 The structure and function of conversation 1.3 Context and meaning 1.4 Communicative strategies and conversation style 1.5 Stories, accounts and identity 1.6 Conclusion Reading A Communicative strategies in Aboriginal English Reading B The role of compliments in female-male interaction 2 Using English to persuade 2.1 Introduction 2.2 Contexts of persuasion 2.3 Political rhetoric 2.4 Advertising 2.5 Conclusion Reading A Renewal, modernisation, and reform Reading B ‘The light has gone out’: Indian traditions in English rhetoric 3 Language play in English 3.1 Introduction 3.2 The value of play 3.3 Playing around us 3.4 Song 3.5 Graffiti 3.6 The slip of the pun 3.7 Interpersonal play 3.8 Conclusion Reading A Songs in Singlish Reading B Extract from ‘Social issues on walls: graffiti in university lavatories’ 4 Literacy practices in English 4.1 Introduction 4.2 Speech and writing 4.3 Text and context 4.4 Reading and writing practices in English 4.5 Diversity and change 4.6 Literacy as a loaded term 4.7 Conclusion Reading A Place semiotics: code preference Reading B Changing literacy practices in a South African informal settlement 5 English at work 5.1 Introduction 5.2 English among co-workers 5.3 Working with the public 5.4 Conclusion Reading A Constructing the virtual building: language on a building site Reading B Professionals and clients: form filling and the control of talk 6 Market forces speak English 6.1 Introduction 6.2 Informalisation 6.3 The marketisation of English 6.4 Designing the language of employees: ‘speaking another language’ at work 6.5 Conclusion Reading A Selling in Singapore Reading B The marketization of public discourse: the universities 7 Making judgements about English 7.1 Introduction 7.2 Correctness 7.3 Appropriateness 7.4 Social judgements 7.5 Offensive language 7.6 Conclusion Reading A Extracts from ‘Why do purists grumble so much?’ Reading B Extracts from Rediscover Grammar with David Crystal Reading C ‘A rule without reason’ References Acknowledgements Index