The Cambridge handbook of linguistic anthropology /

Continuing the excellent "Cambridge Handbooks in Language and Linguistics" series, which explores different subfields of language and linguistics in depth, the editors have assembled a superb lineup of contributors who represent the diversity of perspectives within linguistic anthropology, or rather the "core concerns of research on language within the scope of anthropology." The 29 chapters are divided into five thematic parts: "System and Function," "Process and Formation," "Interaction and Intersubjectivity," "Community and Social Life," and "Interdisciplinary Perspectives"; each part comprises five or more chapters. While the terminology is fairly sophisticated and the writing at a high academic level that varies in readability, the limited scope of each chapter helps to narrow focus and provide depth. Used in conjunction with a textbook or additional readings, specific chapters could be profitably used in upper-level undergraduate courses. Graduate students and professionals will appreciate the index and comprehensive bibliographies provided with each chapter, which can be used as a jumping-off point for adding readings, to glean an overview of subdisciplinary trends and concerns, and especially for exploring emergent interdisciplinary issues. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All academic levels/libraries. --Erin Pappas, Georgetown University