You Are What You Speak

You Are What You Speak
Author :
Publisher : Delacorte Press
Total Pages : 338
Release :
ISBN-10 : 9780440339762
ISBN-13 : 0440339766
Rating : 4/5 (766 Downloads)

Book Synopsis You Are What You Speak by : Robert Lane Greene

Download or read book You Are What You Speak written by Robert Lane Greene and published by Delacorte Press. This book was released on 2011-03-08 with total page 338 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "An insightful, accessible examination of the way in which day-to-day speech is tangled in a complicated web of history, politics, race, economics and power." - Kirkus What is it about other people’s language that moves some of us to anxiety or even rage? For centuries, sticklers the world over have donned the cloak of authority to control the way people use words. Now this sensational new book strikes back to defend the fascinating, real-life diversity of this most basic human faculty. With the erudite yet accessible style that marks his work as a journalist, Robert Lane Greene takes readers on a rollicking tour around the world, illustrating with vivid anecdotes the role language beliefs play in shaping our identities, for good and ill. Beginning with literal myths, from the Tower of Babel to the bloody origins of the word “shibboleth,” Greene shows how language “experts” went from myth-making to rule-making and from building cohesive communities to building modern nations. From the notion of one language’s superiority to the common perception that phrases like “It’s me” are “bad English,” linguistic beliefs too often define “us” and distance “them,” supporting class, ethnic, or national prejudices. In short: What we hear about language is often really about the politics of identity. Governments foolishly try to police language development (the French Academy), nationalism leads to the violent suppression of minority languages (Kurdish and Basque), and even Americans fear that the most successful language in world history (English) may be threatened by increased immigration. These false language beliefs are often tied to harmful political ends and can lead to the violation of basic human rights. Conversely, political involvement in language can sometimes prove beneficial, as with the Zionist revival of Hebrew or our present-day efforts to provide education in foreign languages essential to business, diplomacy, and intelligence. And yes, standardized languages play a crucial role in uniting modern societies. As this fascinating book shows, everything we’ve been taught to think about language may not be wrong—but it is often about something more than language alone. You Are What You Speak will certainly get people talking.


You Are What You Speak Related Books

You Are What You Speak
Language: en
Pages: 338
Authors: Robert Lane Greene
Categories: Language Arts & Disciplines
Type: BOOK - Published: 2011-03-08 - Publisher: Delacorte Press

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

"An insightful, accessible examination of the way in which day-to-day speech is tangled in a complicated web of history, politics, race, economics and power." -
How to Speak Money
Language: en
Pages: 0
Authors: John Lanchester
Categories: Business & Economics
Type: BOOK - Published: 2015-10-27 - Publisher: National Geographic Books

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

"Refreshingly clear, sharp, and funny, How to Speak Money will help you understand not only what the language of finance means but also why it matters." —Jame
What to Say When You Talk to Your Self
Language: en
Pages: 224
Authors: Shad Helmstetter
Categories: Self-Help
Type: BOOK - Published: 2017-06-20 - Publisher: Simon and Schuster

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Learn how to reverse the effects of negative self-talk and embrace a more positive, optimistic outlook on life
As We Speak
Language: en
Pages: 288
Authors: Peter Meyers
Categories: Business & Economics
Type: BOOK - Published: 2012-08-14 - Publisher: Simon and Schuster

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

A practical and empowering guide to public speaking and becoming a more effective, persuasive communicator in all areas of life. The world is full of brilliant
Do You Speak Fish?
Language: en
Pages: 48
Authors: DJ Corchin
Categories: Juvenile Fiction
Type: BOOK - Published: 2021-08-31 - Publisher: Sourcebooks, Inc.

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

A simple yet heartwarming story that demonstrates how to overcome communication barriers and better understand those who identify with different cultures When a