How to Talk Language Science with Everybody

by Laura Wagner, Cecile McKee

Overview

Do you want to talk about the linguistic research that you think is important but you don't know where to start? Language is a topic that is relevant to everyone, and linguists are often asked to speak publicly about their research, to a range of lay audiences in the media, politics, festivals and fairs, schools, museums and public libraries. However, relaying this vital information in an engaging way can often feel like an insurmountable task. This accessible guide offers practical advice on how to talk about language to a range of non-academic audiences. It draws on the linguistics behind effective communication to help you have cooperative conversations, and to organize your information for a diverse range of people. It is illustrated with a wealth of examples from real-life scenarios, and includes chapter-by-chapter worksheets, enabling you to make your own fun and interesting language science activities to share with others.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781108794923
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	06/29/2023
Pages:	273
Product dimensions:	6.65(w) x 9.61(h) x 0.59(d)

About the Author

Laura Wagner is Professor in the Department of Psychology at the Ohio State University. She directs the Language Sciences Research Lab at the Center of Science and Industry (COSI) in Columbus, OH.

Cecile McKee is Professor in the Department of Linguistics at the University of Arizona, where she directs the Developmental Psycholinguistics Lab. The American Association for the Advancement of Science recently recognized her service in promoting public awareness of the significance of linguistic study.

Table of Contents

Preface; 1. Why bother; 2. You can be the expert; 3. Cooperative conversations; 4. Conversational goals; 5. Know why audience; 6. Creating relevance by generating interest; 7. Creating relevance by making connections; 8. Quality and credibility; 9. Incomplete is not incorrect; 10. Learn to listen; 11. Information structure; 12. The curse of knowledge; 13. Start with examples; 14. What's new? Jargon; 15. From given to new: scaffolding; 16. Three-legged stool approach; 17. Dealing with a range of audiences; 18. Where can I go?; 19. Being a good partner; 20. Finale; Appendix.

Editorial Reviews

‘For those beguiled with the wonders of language, and eager to share their enchantment, this is a most welcome guide.’ Noam Chomsky, Institute Professor & Professor of Linguistics emeritus, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

‘Finally, Laura Wagner and Cecile McKee have written up a handbook for anyone interested in replicating their awesome linguistics communication activities! I hope this book is the seed for a grand flourishing of students trained in lingcomm, filling language booths at festivals, museums, and all kinds of events.’ Gretchen McCulloch, Internet Linguist, author of Because Internet, and host of Lingthusiasm

‘This how-to guidebook is geared specifically to language scientists - linguists, psychologists, speech pathologists, audiologists, computer scientists, anthropologists, and the like - but the core lessons apply to any science communication. … The authors promise practical advice and certainly deliver, with specifics that make the book shine.’ Bonnie Denmark, Technical Communication

‘This book illustrates the best of lingcomm practice; it is informed by linguistic research as well as by insights from related fields, including psychology, education, and anthropology. It also illustrates the best of the lingcomm community more broadly; it is accessible to those new to the practice, encouraging in tone, and passionate about introducing more people to how great linguistics is (a fact taken as given in this book).’ Lauren Gawne, Language

From the Publisher