Language in Thought and Action
Book description
In an era when communication has become increasingly diverse and complex, this classic work on semantics—now fully revised and updated—distills the relationship between language and those who use it.
Renowned professor and former U.S. Senator S. I. Hayakawa discusses the role of language in human life, the many functions of…
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Why read it?
2 authors picked Language in Thought and Action as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
If I had to choose just one book on language that all American college students should read, it would be this one.
The author wrote early versions of this book in 1939 and 1941, when World War II was breaking out, and the world came to understand the poisonous nature of Nazi propaganda. The study of semantics turns out to be more than an abstract consideration of language. The responsible use of language is the antidote to disinformation, a lesson we can carry into our own times.
Why neutral reports are crucial to democracy and self-government; how connotations of words…
From Roy's list on writing and why they matter.
Any edition of this book would be great. This book was an inspiration for a class I teach on the interwoven nature of language, thought, and action. I love the way this book pulls back the curtain on things we do every day in our communication with others. It also provides a great foundation for accepting and enjoying human differences.
From Bradford's list on communicating across differences.
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