Using Language

This book argues that language use is more than the sum of a speaker speaking and a listener listening.

Herbert H. Clark (Author)

9780521561587, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 16 May 1996

446 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 2.5 cm, 0.76 kg

'Using Language is a lucid exposition of views that Clark has been developing for over a decade. The central argument is that language must be seen within the complex belief and intentional context in which it is used. Clark tries to pinpoint exactly those features of the intentional context - the set of assumptions and ascribed intentions - which make communication possible, and, often, effortlessly effective. It is undoubtedly his major work to date.' Stephen C. Levinson, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen

This book, first published in 1996, argues that language use is more than the sum of a speaker speaking and a listener listening. It is the joint action that emerges when speakers and listeners - writers and readers - perform their individual actions in coordination, as ensembles. The author argues strongly that language use embodies both individual and social processes.

Preface
Part I. Introduction: 1. Language use
Part II. Foundations: 2. Joint activities
3. Joint actions
4. Common ground
Part III. Communicative Acts: 5. Meaning and understanding
6. Signaling
Part IV. Levels of Action: 7. Joint projects
8. Grounding
9. Utterances
Part V. Discourse: 10. Joint commitment
11. Conversation
12. Layering
Part VI. Conclusion: 13. Conclusion
References.

Subject Areas: Linguistics [CF]