Interpersonal Pragmatics

The sixth of nine volumes in the Handbook of Pragmatics, which collectively aims to cover the entire field of pragmatics, defined as the analysis of language use in social contexts, this volume addresses interpersonal pragmatics, which is the "interpersonal or relational side of language in use" or the exploration of ways that social actors shape and form relationships through the interpersonal use of language. As in the other volumes, each contributed chapter combines a review of the literature and a critical evaluation of the topic at hand in light of recent developments. This volume, edited by Locher (U. of Basel, Switzerland) and Graham (U. of Memphis, US) contains 18 chapters, the first nine of which address theoretical approaches to politeness and impoliteness, to interpersonal interpretation (with insights drawn from communication studies and social cognitive linguistics, and to the negotiation of identity and gender. Four chapters then individually examine interpersonal effects of the linguistic strategies of mitigation, respect and deference, swearing, and humor. The remaining chapters explore interpersonal pragmatics in different contexts, including the workplace, court, health discourse, political discourse, and the discourse of dating advertisements. Annotation c2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Miriam A. Locher, University of Basel, Switzerland; Sage L. Graham, University of Memphis, USA.