Description
Book SynopsisWhy do we speak the way we do, and what do our voices tell others about us? What is the truth behind the myths that surround how we speak? Jane Setter explores these and other fascinating questions in an accessible and engaging account that will appeal to anyone interested in how we use our voices in daily life.
Trade ReviewIn sum, Setter presents a wide-ranging survey of linguistic variation and speech perception in the British Isles to introduce non-specialists to linguistics. Nevertheless, for linguists who do not specialize on this region, this work is equally engaging. Setter also demonstrates with facility how using multiple media enriches the presentation of linguistic work. * Tracey Adams, University of Texas at Austin, Linguist List *
Review from previous edition This book had me hooked ... sprightly and informative. * James McConnachie, The Sunday Times *
Setter's book provides an enjoyable, informative discussion of the relevance of our voice for our identity and how we perceive others. * Carolina Gonzalez, LINGUIST List *
Setter applies phonetic analysis to a range of aspects of daily life in a way that is approachable to a wide audience. * Megan Storey, Library Journal *
In Your Voice Speaks Volumes, Jane Setter... has produced a primer on some interesting aspects of the spoken word. * Graham Elliott, The Linguist *
Jane is excellent at making linguistics, particularly phonetics, crystal clear for the uninitiated. She uses that talent to great effect in her first book for the general public... This book is an important instrument for fighting accentism and other linguistic prejudice in the UK. It might make a nice gift for that person in your life who says they "care deeply about the English language", but really what they mean is "I like to judge other people's use of the English language". * Lynne Murphy, Separated by a Common Language *
This is a fascinating book combining personal experience, British and international culture and society and above all scientific understanding of spoken language, how it works and how it is perceived around the world. * Training, Language and Culture, Maurice Cassidy *
Innovative, informative, and full of human warmth. Jane Setter brings a personal perspective to the subject that is both insightful and moving. * David Crystal *
Drawing on her two distinct areas of expertise -phonetics and rock singing- Jane Setter offers a fascinating and approachable account of the human voice and what it can say about us to the listener. * John C. Wells, Emeritus Professor of Phonetics, University College London *
A fascinating and thorough exploration of some of the key processes, functions and perceptions of spoken language. Professor Setter manages to provide accessible explanations of quite complex linguistic topics and brings them to life by relating them to entertaining examples from her own personal and professional experience. A great introduction to the area. * Dr Rob Drummond, Reader in Linguistics, Manchester Metropolitan University *
Table of Contents1: Babies, children, fish, and sound patterns 2: The Watling Street divide: Romans, Anglo-Saxons, Vikings, and accent prejudice 3: Men can't make their voices sound sexy, and other gems 4: 'Gahaad save our Queen!' Professional and performance voices and accents 5: Your voice is your witness: forensic speaker analysis in criminal investigations 6: Transgender speech and synthesized voices 7: The tip of the iceberg
