Keep Talking: An Invitation to Linguistic Anthropology

Language is not merely a set of words and grammatical rules; it is a deeply cultural phenomenon we use to navigate our social lives and craft our identities. Linguistic anthropology situates language in this essential context. A distinctively Canadian take on the field of linguistic anthropology, Keep Talking provides an up-to-date and detailed introduction to the discipline.
Linguistic anthropologist Eric S. Henry draws on the significant research he has conducted on modernity, language, and culture to create an accessible, foundational guide on the subject for all students. A key argument laced throughout the chapters of this textbook is the idea that language is a form of social action - speaking is also doing. From oral performances to texting, from learning a first language to mixing others together, Keep Talking guides students through all the major concepts of the field while highlighting scholars and research relevant to the Canadian experience. Major areas of focus include Indigenous languages, the role of gender and ethnicity in communication, and doing research in the field. With an approachable writing style, this book includes images, tables, and text boxes along with summaries of further reading for students.
Wide-ranging and deeply current, this textbook is perfectly suited for readers interested in the intersections of language and culture.

Eric S. Henry is an associate professor of anthropology at Saint Mary’s University.