Power in Language Verbal Communication and Social Influence [Paperback]

This volume is a comprehensive analysis of research and theory on verbal communication and social influence. It examines a variety of empirical studies, theoretical positions, methodological matters and substantive issues pertaining to the use of language for generating influence and control. It moves from the basic concept of monological speech and the achievement of power to the increasingly complex and subtle cases of conversational control and linguistic depoliticization.

Topics such as linguistic signs of power, language as a resource for creating power and social causes of verbal power are examined in contexts ranging from informal conversations to newspaper headlines. The research scrutinized ranges from qualitativeThis volume is a comprehensive analysis of research and theory on verbal communication and social influence. It examines a variety of empirical studies, theoretical positions, methodological matters and substantive issues pertaining to the use of language for generating influence and control. It moves from the basic concept of monological speech and the achievement of power to the increasingly complex and subtle cases of conversational control and linguistic depoliticization.

Topics such as linguistic signs of power, language as a resource for creating power and social causes of verbal power are examined in contexts ranging from informal conversations to newspaper headlines. The research scrutinized ranges from qualitativeIntroduction
Signs of Power (I) - `Powerful' and `Powerless' Styles
Signs of Power (II) - More Variables, More Issues
Conversational Influence and Control
Mitigation - Be Indirect and Be Tentative
Misleading Words
Masking
Further Issues, Conclusions and Prospects