Language and Sexuality

This lively and accessible textbook provides a clear introduction to the relationship between language and sexuality.

Deborah Cameron (Author), Don Kulick (Author)

9780521009690, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 6 March 2003

194 pages
22.6 x 15 x 1 cm, 0.29 kg

'In their brief and lively textbook Language and Sexuality, Cameron and Kulick synthesize some of this scholarship and put forth a new framework for future research in this dynamic field. … this ambitious book takes an important first step in ushering in the next stage of language and sexuality research. … they do not simply summarize previous work but offer fruitful research directions, most notably a greater consideration of desire. … Both students and scholars will find this highly readable volume provocative and controversial, but never dull.' Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute

This lively and accessible textbook looks at how we talk about sex and why we talk about it the way we do. Drawing on a wide range of examples, from personal ads to phone sex, from sado-masochistic scenes to sexual assault trials, the book provides a clear introduction to the relationship between language and sexuality. Using a broad definition of 'sexuality', the book encompasses not only issues surrounding sexual orientation and identity but also questions about the discursive construction of sexuality and the verbal expression of erotic desire. Cameron and Kulick contextualize their findings within current research in linguistics, anthropology and psychology, and bring together relevant theoretical debates on sexuality, gender, identity, desire, meaning and power. Topical and entertaining, this much-needed textbook will be welcomed by students and researchers in sociolinguistics, linguistic anthropology and gender/sexuality studies, as well as anyone interested in the relationship between language and sex.

Preface
1. Making connection
2. Talking sex and thinking sex: the linguistic and discursive construction of sexuality
3. What has gender got to do with sex? Language, heterosexuality and heteronormativity
4. Sexuality as identity: gay and lesbian language
5. Looking beyond identity: language and desire
6. Language and sexuality: theory, research and politics.

Subject Areas: Anthropology [JHM], Gender studies: women [JFSJ1], Gender studies, gender groups [JFSJ], Sociolinguistics [CFB]