1st Edition

Gender and Language Theory and Practice

By Lia Litosseliti Copyright 2006
    200 Pages
    by Routledge

    200 Pages
    by Routledge

    The book introduces both theoretical and applied perspectives, identifying and explaining the relevant frameworks and drawing on a range of activities/examples of how gender is constructed in discourse.
    The book is divided into three parts. Part I covers the historical background to the study of gender and language, moving on through past theoretical approaches to a discussion of current debates in the field, with particular emphasis on the role of discourse analysis. In Part II, gender is examined in context with chapters focussing on gender and language in education, the mass media and the workplace. Finally, Part III briefly looks at key principles and approaches to gender and language research and includes activities, study questions and resources for teachers in the field.
    Rich with examples and activities drawn from current debates and events, this book is designed to be appealing and informative and will capture the imaginations of readers from a range of backgrounds and disciplines.

    Introduction
    Part I Theorizations of gender and language
    1. Putting gender and language on the map
    2. The 'language of women': lacking, powerless, different
    3. The shift to discourse: the discursive construction of gendered identities
    Part II Gender in context
    4. Gender and language in education
    5. Gender and language in the media
    6. Gender and language in the workplace
    Part III Researching gender and language
    7. Starting points for researchers, teachers and students

    Biography

    Lia Litosseliti is a Lecturer in Linguistics at City University, London, UK. Her research concentrates on the areas of gender and language, argumentation, discourse analysis, and research issues and methodologies. She is also the author of Using Focus Groups in Research (2003) and co-editor of Discourse Analysis and Gender Identity (2002).

    Litosseliti manages to tell the gender and language story in a steady, clear
    and accessible, but at the same time scholarly way, and never patronises her
    readers. In terms of accessibility and being up-to-date, this book now seems
    the best choice for anyone teaching 'Language and Gender' to upper
    undergraduates and postgraduates, as well as for independent study. With
    useful summaries and further reading at the end of each chapter, examples
    and activities in the form of questions within the chapters, useful
    cross-referencing throughout, and a rich bibliography, this is an
    undoubtedly valuable resource for teachers, students, and researchers.


    Jane Sunderland, Lancaster University, UK

    This book's numerous contemporary examples drawn from the media and
    conversations will be very appealing to student readers. The lucid and
    accessible chapters on media, education and workplaces reflect the latest
    research, as they highlight key sites for scholarship and activism. The
    chapter on principles for feminist linguistic research will be an
    invaluable aid for any instructor interested in helping students to
    critically read research, or to engage in research on their own.


    Bonnie McElhinny, University of Toronto, Canada

    Lia Litosseliti provides a valuable introduction to language and gender for
    those new to this rapidly developing field. The focus on both theory and
    practice (an exploration of language and gender in education, the media and
    the workplace) make this an engaging and accessible resource for students.


    Joan Swann, Open University, UK


    This book offers a stimulating appraisal of a range of language and gender
    theories. It places a particular emphasis upon current constructionist and
    discursive approaches, and gives an excellent survey of recent research
    studies. MA and 3rd year undergraduates will benefit enormously from this
    lucid guide to the field.


    Judith Baxter, University of Reading, UK