Words and Minds: How We Use Language to Think Together / Edition 1

by Neil Mercer

Overview

There is widespread interest in the everyday use of language. People want to know how to communicate, and do it well. Words and Minds takes a lively look at the evolution of language, and how we use language to get things done.

Examining everyday language and drawing on a wide range of research, Neil Mercer provides a unified account of the relationship between thought and language. He analyzes real-life examples of language being used effectively, and not so effectively, in many different settings. From the workplace to school, from the Internet to the courtroom, Mercer offers practical insights into how we might improve our communication skills.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	2900415224764
Publication date:	06/29/2000
Pages:	224
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 1.25(h) x 9.00(d)

About the Author

Neil Mercer is Professor of Language and Communications at the Open University.

Table of Contents

1. Language as a tool for thinking 2. Laying the Foundations 3. The given and the new 4. Persuasion, control and argument 5. Communities 6. Development through dialogue 7. Investigating interthinking Conclusion

Editorial Reviews

'The potentially wide-reaching results of this study... publication is timely' - Sheila MacDonald, Independent

'This is a fascinating and accessible book. It would be of interest to anyone with a human interest in finding out more about how we use language in developing our understanding.' - Marian Sainsbury, National Foundation for Educational Research

'This work is a successful combination of review and originality, accessible to those not already indoctrinated into the discourse of the close analysis of text, but also containing much of interest to those who are.' - Andy Wilcox, The Linguist

From the Publisher