Words and Minds: How We Use Language to Think Together

Front Cover
Psychology Press, 2000 - Language Arts & Disciplines - 206 pages
Words and Minds takes a lively and accessible look at how we use language to combine our mental resources and get things done. Examining everyday language and drawing on a wide range of research, but always with a light style, Neil Mercer provides a unified account of the relationship between thought and language.
Mercer analyses real-life examples of language being used effectively, or otherwise, in many different settings, including workplaces and schools, the home, the internet and the courtroom, and offers practical insights into how we might improve our communication skills.
Words and Minds will appeal to anyone interested in language and the psychology of everyday life.
 

Contents

Laying the foundations
16
The given and the
50
Persuasion control and argument
73
Communities
105
16
120
Development through dialogue
131
Conclusions
167
Notes
177
Bibliography
192
131
203
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About the author (2000)

Neil Mercer is Professor of Language and Communications at the Open University.