Language and Subjectivity
Key Topics in Applied Linguistics Series

Understanding the role of language within the formation of a sense of self has been revolutionised by developments in social theory, particularly poststructuralism. There is now a new emphasis on the way in which subjects are vulnerable in the face of powerful discourses such as nation, gender, race and sexuality. This book is a clear and engaging introduction to these developments and their relevance to students of language. Using lively and often personal examples throughout, Tim McNamara explores the role of language within processes of subjectivity using the insights of conversation analysis (CA), creating an original conceptual and methodological bridge between the macro- and micro-dimensions of social discourse and everyday conversational interaction.

1. The construction of the subject; 2. Discourses of gender and sexuality; 3. Recognition and the colonial other; 4. Racist discourse and everyday language; 5. Language learning and subjectivity; 6. Discourse and subjectivity in face-to-face interaction (1): the interaction oOrder; 7. Discourse and subjectivity in face-to-face interaction (2): inscribing gender; 8. Categorising others in casual conversation; 9. Technologies of subjectivity: language tests and identification; 10. Conclusion: discourse and discipline.

Tim McNamara is Redmond Barry Distinguished Professor Emeritus at the University of Melbourne.