Language and Subjectivity

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.

'This is a book that applied linguists - those new to the field and those who have been around a while and think they know all this stuff - should read and talk about. ... [It] takes us on an intellectual ride through many domains while urging us to think politically, to engage with the local operations of language, and to act as applied linguists. I'm not sure what has been planned for the rest of this series, but this sets the bar high.' Alastair Pennycook, Language in Society

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