Janicki Karol. Language Misconceived: Arguing for Applied Cognitive Sociolinguistics

Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, 2006. — 213 p. — ISBN 0805856803, 9780805856804.Linguistics is important. An understanding of linguistic principles is as essential to the layperson as it is to the language scholar. Using concrete examples from politics, law, and education, this book shows how people misconceive language every day and what the consequences of misconceptions can be. Since the meanings of words are often fuzzy at best, this volume argues for a flexible approach to meaning and definitions, and demonstrates how this approach can help us understand many conflicts. It is an alternative way of viewing and doing sociolinguistics. Language Misconceived: Arguing for Applied Sociolinguistics offers many specific suggestions and guidelines for approaching a linguistic project. The ideas expressed in this book have been class tested for several years. Students enthusiastically appreciate the connections drawn between linguistics and real-life problems. The goal is to help students of sociolinguistics avoid pitfalls that may inhibit research. Language Misconceived: Arguing for Applied Sociolinguistics is intended primarily for graduate and Ph.D. students of linguistics, especially those interested in applying linguistics to fields like politics, law, and education. It may also be recommended to seasoned linguists as well as researchers in communication, sociology, psychology, and education.From Misconceptions To Conceptions
Meaning and Definitions MisconceivedExplicit (Overt) Essentialism
Covert Essentialism
Criticism of Essentialism
Word Meaning, Definitions, Linguists, and Philosophical CommitmentsEndnote
Integrational Linguistics and NonessentialismRoy Harris’ Integrational Linguistics
Conclusions
Variations on Meaning in Cognitive Linguistics
On the Fuzziness of Concepts
More on the Imprecision of Concepts
Slipping Into Essentialism?
On Flexibility and Creativity
Treating Language “Seriously”
On Unconventional Metaphor
On MisunderstandingEndnotes
Language (Mis)Conceptions In Practice
Language in Politics
The Clinton–Lewinsky Case
The Florida Vote Conflict
Abortion, Euthanasia, and the Stem-Cell Research Conflicts
Political Correctness
Miscellaneous
Conclusions: From Essentialism to Conflict and War
Endnotes
Language in Law
Misconceptions About Defendants
Misconceptions About Language in the Legal Context
Instructions on Interrogation
Judges’ Ideologies and Language
Conclusions
Language in AcademiaIs Julia Kristeva a Scientist?
Conclusions
Endnote
Language in Education
The Standard Variety
Ebonics
On New Words—Education Toward Nonessentialism
Conclusions
Endnotes
Applied Cognitive Sociolinguistics—A Summary
Viewing and Studying Language a Nonessentialist WayAuthor Index
Subject Index