Languages. German, French, English, Italian, Mandarin or even Russian. They are thousands of languages still spoken today. By all means, language is a powerful and vital tool for every single person’s life. In fact, it is something that has been around for hundreds and hundreds of years. It is something so unique and complex, yet so beautiful in the same time. Taking that into account, linguistics has a very difficult, yet significant job, in today’s society.
Linguistics. What is it exactly? Linguistics is the study of language, in short. In other words, it is “the scientific study of language, specifically of language form, language meaning, and language in context.” (Wikipedia) Besides that, linguistics has three main subfields including, …show more content…
Spradley is an ethnography perfectly written in such a way in which you will not only contemplate life in a more “out of box” manner, but you will also change your perspective or view of other people, specifically “alcoholics.” This book written with an emic perspective, not only tells the experiences of people who were arrested for alcoholism or public drunkenness countless of times in the late 60s in Skid Row, Seattle Washington, but also tries to change the usual “negative” vibe or view towards people who are alcoholics by sharing their perspective. The author tries to convey that these alcoholics are just people who are disregarded by society and who are not getting the proper treatment or support they need to “heal” to the society’s harsh behavioral expectations. Additionally, this book explains the law enforcement systems and the way the urban nomad subculture interferes with it. Spradley, not only studies linguistic anthropology, yet also uses ethnographic analysis, methods, interviews, participant letters, and historical context to help the reader understand his surprising …show more content…
In fact, it is a typical thing to come through. To demonstrate, a dialect is “ a variety of language that is distinguished from other varieties of the same language by features of phonology, grammar, and vocabulary, and by its use by a group of speakers who are set off from others geographically or socially.” (Dictioary.com) Taking that in consideration, dialect is a main concept in the book, “You Owe Yourself a Drunk” when understanding the point of view of the alcoholics. “There are railroad, rubber tire, mission stiffs, Salvation Army stiffs, working, nonworking, bindle, stream-lined, Northerners are labeled snowbirds down South…” (Mr. Tanner speaking. You Owe Yourself a Drunk pg.2937) “Mr. Tanner speaks of “stream-lined stiff,” whereas most informants spoke of a “box car tramp” or hobo who was characterized by traveling streamlined. A careful analysis of all synonyms and various regional dialects is important…’ (You Owe Yourself a Drunk pg. 2973) The specific quote that Mr. Tanner spoke was uttered when he was describing the study of “Bumology”. I used this example from the text because the sentence clearly shows how different dialects were said throughout the book and it showed how important they were for the research James was
Linguistics. What is it exactly? Linguistics is the study of language, in short. In other words, it is “the scientific study of language, specifically of language form, language meaning, and language in context.” (Wikipedia) Besides that, linguistics has three main subfields including, …show more content…
Spradley is an ethnography perfectly written in such a way in which you will not only contemplate life in a more “out of box” manner, but you will also change your perspective or view of other people, specifically “alcoholics.” This book written with an emic perspective, not only tells the experiences of people who were arrested for alcoholism or public drunkenness countless of times in the late 60s in Skid Row, Seattle Washington, but also tries to change the usual “negative” vibe or view towards people who are alcoholics by sharing their perspective. The author tries to convey that these alcoholics are just people who are disregarded by society and who are not getting the proper treatment or support they need to “heal” to the society’s harsh behavioral expectations. Additionally, this book explains the law enforcement systems and the way the urban nomad subculture interferes with it. Spradley, not only studies linguistic anthropology, yet also uses ethnographic analysis, methods, interviews, participant letters, and historical context to help the reader understand his surprising …show more content…
In fact, it is a typical thing to come through. To demonstrate, a dialect is “ a variety of language that is distinguished from other varieties of the same language by features of phonology, grammar, and vocabulary, and by its use by a group of speakers who are set off from others geographically or socially.” (Dictioary.com) Taking that in consideration, dialect is a main concept in the book, “You Owe Yourself a Drunk” when understanding the point of view of the alcoholics. “There are railroad, rubber tire, mission stiffs, Salvation Army stiffs, working, nonworking, bindle, stream-lined, Northerners are labeled snowbirds down South…” (Mr. Tanner speaking. You Owe Yourself a Drunk pg.2937) “Mr. Tanner speaks of “stream-lined stiff,” whereas most informants spoke of a “box car tramp” or hobo who was characterized by traveling streamlined. A careful analysis of all synonyms and various regional dialects is important…’ (You Owe Yourself a Drunk pg. 2973) The specific quote that Mr. Tanner spoke was uttered when he was describing the study of “Bumology”. I used this example from the text because the sentence clearly shows how different dialects were said throughout the book and it showed how important they were for the research James was