This volume brings together Bourdieu's highly original writings in language and on the relations between language, power and politics. Bourdieu develops a forceful critique of traditional approaches to language, including the linguistic theories of Saussure and Chomsky and the theory of speech-acts elaborated by Austin and others. He argues that language should be viewed not only as a means of communication but also as a medium of power through which individuals pursue their interests and display their practical competence [from the back cover].

Contents

Preface;
Editor's introduction;

General introduction;
Part I. The economy of linguistic exchanges;
Introduction;
1. The production and reproduction of legitimate language;
2. Price formation and the anticipation of profits;
Appendix: Did you say 'popular'?

Part II. The social institution of symbolic power;
Introduction;
3. Authorized language: the social conditions for the effectiveness of ritual discourse;
4. Rites of institution;
5. Description and prescription: the conditions of possibility and the limits of political effectiveness;
6. Censorship and the imposition of form;

Part III. Symbolic power and political field;
7. On symbolic power;
8. Political representation: elements for a theory of the political field;
9. Delegation and political fetishism;
10. Identity and representation: elements for a critical reflection on the idea of region;
11. Social space and the genesis of 'classes';

Notes;
Index.