Description
Book SynopsisThis book argues for an approach to linguistic ethnography which departs from the singular gaze of the academic researcher, to amplify instead the voices of participants, researchers and collaborators. The authors offer an account of writing ethnography polyphonically, incorporating the complexity of individual voices. In doing so they challenge the imperative to make meaning from, and explain the culture of, ‘the other’. Together, the essays open up the emic perspective by considering the experiential, aesthetic, emotional, moral and ethical value people bring to encounters with others. The book is an essential addition to research methods courses in applied linguistics and sociolinguistics, and an invaluable contribution to knowledge about research-based drama, theatre and creative practice.
Trade ReviewBuilding on fieldwork and data from the wonderful TLANG research project, these reflections explore linguistic ethnography’s interdisciplinarity in a wide-ranging and provocative conversation with philosophy and the creative arts. * Ben Rampton, King’s College London, UK *
This is an intriguing exploration of the ethics and aesthetics of researching everyday encounters. The authors draw on a rich and vibrant study of social life in cities in the UK as capturing a moment in time. Their insights on communicating the everyday will be illuminating for researchers across disciplines and this book represents a major step for linguistic ethnography. * Sari Pöyhönen, University of Jyväskylä, Finland *
This book expands applied linguistics in general and linguistic ethnography in particular to accommodate ethics, affect, and aesthetics in much-needed new directions. The authors not only discuss theories from multiple disciplines to justify this expansion but also demonstrate how to undertake this task by transforming data into drama, poetry, and performance in a multi-genre book. * Suresh Canagarajah, Pennsylvania State University, USA *
Table of ContentsAcknowledgements
Part 1: Encounters in Linguistic Ethnography
Essay 1. Linguistic Ethnography
Essay 2. Developing an Ethical-Aesthetic Perspective in Linguistic Ethnography
Part 2: Enacting Linguistic Ethnography
Essay 3. Polyphony
Essay 4. Poetry
Essay 5. Ethnographic Drama
Essay 6. Performance
Essay 7. Politics
Part 3: Relations in Linguistic Ethnography
Essay 8. Relational Ethics
Essay 9. Responsibility and Trust
Essay 10. Strangeness and Proximity
Essay 11. Difference
Essay 12. Movement and Affect
References
Index
