Living Language: An Introduction to Linguistic Anthropology is a clear and accessible exploration of the prominent theoretical issues in linguistic anthropology and a student-friendly introduction to the study of language in real-life social contexts around the world.

List of Figures. List of Tables. Preface. Acknowledgments. Part I: Language: Some Basic Questions. 1. The Socially Charged Life of Language. 2. The Research Process in Linguistic Anthropology. 3. Language Acquisition and Socialization. 4. Language, Thought, and Culture. Part II: Communities of Speakers, Hearers, Readers, and Writers. 5. Communities of Language Users. 6. Multilingualism and Globalization. 7. Literacy Practices. 8. Performance, Performativity, and the Constitution of Communities. Part III: Language, Power, and Social Differentiation. 9. Language and Gender. 10. Language, Race, and Ethnicity. 11. Language Death and Revitalization. 12. Conclusion: Language, Power, and Agency. Notes. References. Index.

Laura Ahearn s Living Language stands out for its deft integration of disparate approaches to linguistic anthropology, highlighting the field s rich range of intellectual genealogies and contemporary innovations. This book is deserving of high praise for managing to capture the field s nuance and complexity, while doing so in a way that is accessible, timely, and of interest to both specialists and non-specialists alike. (Journal of Linguistic Anthropology, 5 December 2014) Overall, this reviewer finds the book balanced, appreciable and well written. (Anthropological Notebooks, 1 October 2012) In conclusion, we strongly recommend the book for both undergraduate and graduate introductory courses. In conclusion, we strongly recommend the book for both undergraduate and graduate introductory courses. (Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute, 1 November 2012) "It is a very useful as a library resource and for general readers, as it is well organized, clearly written, and supported with both classic and recent studies. Summing Up: Recommended. General and undergraduate libraries." (Choice, 1 January 2012)