This is a comprehensive text on language and communication, written from a social psychological perspective. It shows how language and non-verbal activities are integrated in the process of communication and looks at what language is used for and how it works in context.

Assuming that students have not previously studied language at tertiary level, the author first introduces them to the constituent parts of language, how they fit together, and how they facilitate communication. Succeeding chapters take the functions of language in turn and illustrate how the particular units and structure operate to serve these functions. For each topic the author provides a brief review, evidence about the roles of verbal and non-verbal activity, an evaluation of the current state of knowledge in that area, and suggestions for future research. Throughout the book, a variety of complementary psychological and linguistic perspectives are represented. In all cases, descriptions and explanations are accompanied by data and experimental findings, ensuring a balanced approach.

This is a comprehensive text on language and communication, written from a social psychological perspective. It shows how language and non-verbal activities are integrated in the process of communication and looks at what language is used for and how it works in context.

Assuming that students have not previously studied language at tertiary level, the author first introduces them to the constituent parts of language, how they fit together, and how they facilitate communication. Succeeding chapters take the functions of language in turn and illustrate how the particular units and structure operate to serve these functions. For each topic the author provides a brief review, evidence about the roles of verbal and non-verbal activity, an evaluation of the current state of knowledge in that area, and suggestions for future research. Throughout the book, a variety of complementary psychological and linguistic perspectives are represented. In all cases, descriptions and explanations are accompanied by data and experimental findings, ensuring a balanced approach.

What makes a good argument?
How is language used to create social influence?
How social is computer-mediated communication?

This new, fully updated and revised The New Handbook of Language and Social Psychology reflects the increasingly diverse range of linguistic topics that social psychologists have investigated over the decade since the previous edition of this seminal work was published.

Whilst the basic organization of the text remains the same, explanatory frameworks are accorded greater prominence than before and persons are seen as agents of communicative interaction rather than as victims of external of forces. Processes and actions are highlighted, i.e. how people do what they do and how they manage the discourse. In the final section, several applied topics reflect our changing lifestyle: computer-mediated communication, mass media, and organizations.

The New Handbook of Language and Social Psychology is an essential source book for all psychologists concerned with language and how it functions in human communication. Those interested in interpersonal and intergroup social relations will find much relevance, as will practitioners and other professionals working in health and welfare, multilingual contexts, and organizations.