Discourse Strategies (Studies in Interactional Sociolinguistics) (Paperback)

~ John J. Gumperz (Author) "Communication is a social activity requiring the coordinated efforts of two or more individuals..." (more)
Key Phrases: conversational synchrony, contextualization conventions, code switching styles, Indian English, Western English, United States (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

To understand the role of language in public life and the social process in general, we need first a closer understanding of how linguistic knowledge and social factors interact in discourse interpretation. This volume is a major advance towards that understanding. Professor Gumperz here synthesizes fundamental research on communication from a wide variety of disciplines - linguistics, sociolinguistics, anthropology and non-verbal communication - and develops an original and broadly based theory of conversational inference which shows how verbal communication can serve either between individuals of different social and ethnic backgrounds. The urgent need to overcome such barriers to effective communication is also a central concern of the book. Examples of conversational exchanges as well as of longer encounters, recorded in the urban United States, village Austria, South Asia and Britain, and analyzed to illustrate all aspects of the analytical approach, and to show how subconscious cultural presuppositions can damagingly affect interpretation of intent and judgement of interspeaker attitude. The volume will be of central interest to anyone concerned with communication, whether from a more academic viewpoint or as a professional working, for example, in the fields of interethnic or industrial relations.

Book Description

Fundamental research on communication from a wide variety of disciplines is synthesized to develop an original and broadly based theory of conversational inference, showing how verbal communications can reinforce or overcome barriers between social and ethnic groups.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (September 30, 1982)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521288967
• ISBN-13: 978-0521288965
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
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• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #718,293 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)