A War of Words
A War of Words
Yasir Suleiman's 2004 book considers national identity in relation to language, the way in which language can be manipulated to signal political, cultural or even historical difference. As a language with a long-recorded heritage and one spoken by the majority of those in the Middle East in a variety of dialects, Arabic is a particularly appropriate vehicle for such an investigation. It is also a penetrating device for exploring the conflicts of the Middle East, the diversity of its peoples and the diversity of their viewpoints. Suleiman's book offers a wealth of empirical material, and intriguing, often poignant illustrations of antagonisms articulated through pun or double entendre.
- Pathbreaking book which considers the relationship of language to conflict in the Middle East
- Theoretically informed and multi-disciplinary with appeal to students of Arabic language, Middle East Studies, sociology, politics and anthropology
- Author is well known and highly regarded: one of the only scholars working in this field
Reviews & endorsements
'Yasir Suleiman's book is a seminal work on the linguistic situation in the Middle East, its socio-political and cultural roots, and its implications for nationhood and the study of conflict. This is a well-crafted, well organized, and eloquent book. ' Karin Ryding, Georgetown University
' … the book is a good read also for non-linguists, offering possible new perspectives on conflict dynamics.' Journal of Peace Research
Product details
June 2004Paperback
9780521546560
286 pages
229 × 152 × 15 mm
0.461kg
18 b/w illus. 13 tables
Available
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Language, power and conflict in the Middle East
- 3. When language and dialects collide: standard Arabic and its 'opponents'
- 4. When dialects collide: on the banks of the River Jordan
- 5. When languages collide: between the River Jordan and the Mediterranean sea
- 6. Language and conflict in the Middle East: a conclusion.
