The politics of English : a Marxist view of language

`A very welcome and much-needed broadening of current theoretical perspectives' - **__Professor Norman Fairclough__** This book offers a major reappraisal of the role of language in the social world. Focusing on three main areas - the global spread of English; Standard English; and language and sexism - **The Politics of English**: examines World English in relation to international capitalism and colonialism; analyzes the ideological underpinnings of the debate about Standard English; and locates sexism in language as arising from social relations. Locating itself in the classical Marxist tradition, this book shows how language is both shaped by, and contributes to social life. Focusing On Three Main Areas: The Global Spread Of English; Standard English; And Language And Sexism, This Book Offers A Major Reappraisal Of The Role Of Language In The Social World. In Debate With Theoretical Approaches Which Underplay Language's Social Function, Holborrow Shows How The Politics Of English Arise From Both The Ideological Role Of Language In Society And Also Interpretations Of The Nature Of Language.--book Jacket. 1. Introduction -- 2. In The Beginning Was Society: Marx, Volosinov And Vygotsky On Language -- 3. Money Talks: The Politics Of World English -- 4. Women, Language And The Limits Of Feminism -- 5. The Politics Of Standard English -- 6. Conclusion. Marnie Holborow. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [197]-211) And Index. `A very welcome and much-needed broadening of current theoretical perspectives′ - Professor Norman Fairclough, University of Lancaster This book offers a major reappraisal of the role of language in the social world. Focusing on three main areas - the global spread of English; Standard English; and language and sexism - The Politics of English: examines World English in relation to international capitalism and colonialism; analyzes the ideological underpinnings of the debate about Standard English; and locates sexism in language as arising from social relations. Locating itself in the classical Marxist tradition, this book shows how language is both shaped by, and contributes to social life. Cover 1 Contents 6 Acknowledgements 8 Chapter 1 - Introduction 10 Chapter 2 - In the Beginning was Society: Marx, Volosinov and Vygotsky on Language 22 Chapter 3 - Money Talks: The Politics of World English 62 Chapter 4 - Women, Language and the Limits of Feminism 106 Chapter 5 - The Politics of Standard English 158 Chapter 6 - Conclusion 198 Bibliography 206 Index 222 The Politics of English offers a major reappraisal of the way in which language is both shaped by, and contributes to, social life. Taking a classical Marxist approach, the author provides a view of the ideological aspects of language Offers a major reappraisal of the role of language in the social world. This title focuses on three main areas - the global spread of English, Standard English, and language and sexism.