RSSBook: Writing and Society
Jun 15
Title: Writing and Society
Subtitle: An Introduction
Series Title: Key Topics in Sociolinguistics
Publication Year: 2013
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
http://us.cambridge.org
Book URL: http://www.cambridge.org/us/knowledge/isbn/item6898383/Writing%20and%20Society/?site_locale=en_US
Author: Florian Coulmas
Hardback: ISBN: 9781107016422 Pages: 192 Price: U.S. $ 90.00
Paperback: ISBN: 9781107602434 Pages: 192 Price: U.S. $ 27.99
Abstract:
How does writing relate to speech? What impact does it have on social
organisation and development? How do unwritten languages differ from those
that have a written form and tradition? This book is a general account of the
place of writing in society. Drawing on contemporary and historical examples,
from clay tablets to touchscreen displays, the book explores the functions of
writing and written language, analysing its consequences for language,
society, economy and politics. It examines the social causes of illiteracy,
demonstrating that institutions of central importance to modern society are
built upon writing and written texts, and are characterised by specific forms
of communication. It explores the social dimensions of spelling and writing
reform, as well as of digital literacy, a new mode of expression and
communication posing novel challenges to the student of language in society.
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