Political Keywords
Using Language that Uses Us
ISBN13: 9780195162394ISBN10: 0195162390
Paperback,
296 pages
Sep 2004,
In Stock
Price:
$29.95 (04)Description
The Declaration of Independence states that all men are created equal in the United States, but that statement does not hold true for words. Some words carry more weight than others--they seem to work harder, get more done, and demand more respect. Political Keywords: Using Language that Uses Us looks at eight dominant words that are crucial to American political discourse, and how they have been employed during the last fifty years.Based on an analysis of eleven separate studies of political language, Political Keywords helps readers to understand what these terms mean and how they are used. For example, the book tracks what politics now means to modern commentators, how schoolteacher impress certain values upon the nation's children by invoking the office of the president, and why an innocent word like government sometimes makes people so upset. It details how the people are referenced in political talk and how the media portray themselves. The book also considers the work done by political parties, political promises, and political consultants because, together, they shed special light on modern elections. Combining social science with subtle forms of cultural interpretation, Political Keywords: Using Language that Uses Us provides a fresh look at both American politics and American language. It is an ideal text for undergraduate and graduate courses in political communication, political language, political campaigns, media and politics, political psychology, public opinion, rhetorical criticism, contemporary public address, and presidential rhetoric.
About the Author(s)
Roderick P. Hart, Shivers Chair in Communication and Professor of Government, University of Texas at Austin, Sharon E. Jarvis, Assistant Professor of Communication Studies, University of Texas at Austin, William P. Jennings, Visiting Assistant Professor, University of Cincinnati, and Deborah Smith-Howell, Associate Professor and Chair, University of Nebraska at Omaha
