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.
Author(s): Janet Maybin, Neil Mercer, Ann Hewings
Series: Exploring the English Language
Edition: 2
Publisher: Routledge
Year: 2006
Language: English
Pages: 312
City: London
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
