In
Watching TV with a Linguist, Fagersten challenges the conventional view of television as lowbrow entertainment devoid of intellectual activity. Rather, she champions the use of fictional television to learn about linguistics and at the same time promotes enriched television viewing experiences by explaining the role of language in creating humor, conveying drama, and developing identifiable characters. The essays gathered in this volume explore specific areas of linguistics, providing a comprehensive yet accessible introduction to the study of language. Through programs such as
Seinfeld, The Simpsons, Sherlock, and
The Wire, contributors deftly illustrate key linguistic concepts and terminology using snippets of familiar dialogue and examples of subtle narration. In addition, contributors aim to raise linguistic awareness among readers by identifying linguistics in action, encouraging readers to recognize additional examples of concepts on their own. To this end, each chapter provides suggestions for viewing other television series or specific episodes, where further examples of the linguistic concepts in focus can be found. Invaluable as a resource in linguistics and communication courses,
Watching TV with a Linguist is the first book to use the familiar and compelling medium of television to engage students with the science of language
About the AuthorKristy Beers Fagersten is associate professor of English linguistics at Soedertoern University in Sweden. She is the author of Who's Swearing Now? The Social Aspects of Conversational Swearing.
Reviews"A book like this ought to be available for instruction in linguistics and television studies, media studies, and cultural studies." -Michael Adams, professor of English, Indiana University
"This is an excellent book, which is innovative in its conceptualization, and expertly edited. . . . A must-read for the budding linguist and TV-enthusiast." -Monika Bednarek, senior lecturer, Department of Linguistics, University of Sydney
Book InformationISBN 9780815610816
Author Kristy Beers FagerstenFormat Paperback
Page Count 406
Imprint Syracuse University PressPublisher Syracuse University Press
Weight(grams) 565g