Language and Subjectivity: (Key Topics in Applied Linguistics)

Understanding the role of language within the formation of a sense of self has been revolutionised by developments in social theory, particularly poststructuralism. There is now a new emphasis on the way in which subjects are vulnerable in the face of powerful discourses such as nation, gender, race and sexuality. This book is a clear and engaging introduction to these developments and their relevance to students of language. Using lively and often personal examples throughout, Tim McNamara explores the role of language within processes of subjectivity using the insights of conversation analysis (CA), creating an original conceptual and methodological bridge between the macro- and micro-dimensions of social discourse and everyday conversational interaction.

Table of Contents:
1. The construction of the subject; 2. Discourses of gender and sexuality; 3. Recognition and the colonial other; 4. Racist discourse and everyday language; 5. Language learning and subjectivity; 6. Discourse and subjectivity in face-to-face interaction (1): the interaction oOrder; 7. Discourse and subjectivity in face-to-face interaction (2): inscribing gender; 8. Categorising others in casual conversation; 9. Technologies of subjectivity: language tests and identification; 10. Conclusion: discourse and discipline.

About the Author :
Tim McNamara is Redmond Barry Distinguished Professor Emeritus at the University of Melbourne.

Review :
'This is a book that applied linguists – those new to the field and those who have been around a while and think they know all this stuff – should read and talk about. … [It] takes us on an intellectual ride through many domains while urging us to think politically, to engage with the local operations of language, and to act as applied linguists. I'm not sure what has been planned for the rest of this series, but this sets the bar high.' Alastair Pennycook, Language in Society 'Tim McNamara offers interesting and engaging insights into the construction of subjectivities in various discourses, and the role of language in the formation of understanding self … this book constitutes an essential thinking tool for scholars and students who want to explore further our construction of identity through language.' Argyro Kanaki, BAAL News 'To conclude, this book is undoubtedly a welcome addition to the fields of applied linguistics and sociolinguistics. Presenting state-of-the-art research, Language and Subjectivity is highly recommended to scholars and students involved in the study of subjectivity from a linguistic perspective. Readers would benefit from this book not only because it adds clarity to this topic, but also because it suggests numerous research directions that still need to be explored.' Nicole Mazzetto, LINGUIST List 'Language and Subjectivity makes a successful attempt at providing theoretical and methodological clarity to researching identity and subjectivity. It is a recommended reading for anyone who is interested in understanding the relationship between self and discourse.' Ruolin Hu, Applied Linguistics