You Are What You Speak

Released on by Robert Lane Greene
preview-18

  • You Are What You Speak Book Detail

  • Author : Robert Lane Greene
  • Release Date : 2011-03-08
  • Publisher : Delacorte Press
  • Genre : Language Arts & Disciplines
  • Pages : 338
  • ISBN 13 : 0440339766
  • File Size : 1,1 MB
DOWNLOAD BOOK

You Are What You Speak by Robert Lane Greene PDF Summary

Book Description: "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.

Disclaimer: www.yourbookbest.com does not own You Are What You Speak books pdf, neither created or scanned. We just provide the link that is already available on the internet, public domain and in Google Drive. If any way it violates the law or has any issues, then kindly mail us via contact us page to request the removal of the link.

You Are What You Speak

You Are What You Speak

File Size : 66,66 MB
Total View : 5926 Views
DOWNLOAD

"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." -

Do You Speak Fish?

Do You Speak Fish?

File Size : 97,97 MB
Total View : 272 Views
DOWNLOAD

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

As We Speak

As We Speak

File Size : 38,38 MB
Total View : 4662 Views
DOWNLOAD

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 American?

Do You Speak American?

File Size : 33,33 MB
Total View : 5061 Views
DOWNLOAD

Is American English in decline? Are regional dialects dying out? Is there a difference between men and women in how they adapt to linguistic variations? These q

How to Speak Money

How to Speak Money

File Size : 78,78 MB
Total View : 268 Views
DOWNLOAD

"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