Gender and Language Theory and Practice

The book introduces both theoretical and applied perspectives, identifying and explaining the relevant frameworks and drawing on a range of activities/examples of how gender is constructed in discourse. The book is divided into three parts. Part I covers the historical background to the study of gender and language, moving on through past theoretical approaches to a discussion of current debates in the field, with particular emphasis on the role of discourse analysis. In Part II, gender is examined in context with chapters focussing on gender and language in education, the mass media and the workplace. Finally, Part III briefly looks at key principles and approaches to gender and language research and includes activities, study questions and resources for teachers in the field.Rich with examples and activities drawn from current debates and events, this book is designed to be appealing and informative and will capture the imaginations of readers from a range of backgrounds and disciplines.

Litosseliti manages to tell the gender and language story in a steady, clearand accessible, but at the same time scholarly way, and never patronises herreaders. In terms of accessibility and being up-to-date, this book now seemsthe best choice for anyone teaching 'Language and Gender' to upperundergraduates and postgraduates, as well as for independent study. Withuseful summaries and further reading at the end of each chapter, examplesand activities in the form of questions within the chapters, usefulcross-referencing throughout, and a rich bibliography, this is anundoubtedly valuable resource for teachers, students, and researchers.Jane Sunderland, Lancaster University, UKThis book's numerous contemporary examples drawn from the media andconversations will be very appealing to student readers. The lucid andaccessible chapters on media, education and workplaces reflect the latestresearch, as they highlight key sites for scholarship and activism. Thechapter on principles for feminist linguistic research will be aninvaluable aid for any instructor interested in helping students tocritically read research, or to engage in research on their own.Bonnie McElhinny, University of Toronto, CanadaLia Litosseliti provides a valuable introduction to language and gender forthose new to this rapidly developing field. The focus on both theory andpractice (an exploration of language and gender in education, the media andthe workplace) make this an engaging and accessible resource for students.Joan Swann, Open University, UKThis book offers a stimulating appraisal of a range of language and gendertheories. It places a particular emphasis upon current constructionist anddiscursive approaches, and gives an excellent survey of recent researchstudies. MA and 3rd year undergraduates will benefit enormously from thislucid guide to the field.Judith Baxter, University of Reading, UK

Lia Litosseliti is a Lecturer in Linguistics at City University, London, UK. Her research concentrates on the areas of gender and language, argumentation, discourse analysis, and research issues and methodologies. She is also the author of Using Focus Groups in Research (2003) and co-editor of Discourse Analysis and Gender Identity (2002).