Language Shock: Understanding The Culture Of Conversation

When I went to a recent conference on this topic, nearly all the scholars cited this work. That's especially interesting because it's written for the lay reader, not for scholars. Yet the book accomplishes its goal. It presents in clear terms some of the many reasons that it's hard to communicate with people from other language groups. Cultural expectations so often get in the way, or at the very least, they complicate things. Agar spent a long time in Austria, so he has many useful personal experiences to draw upon. His book makes it clear that communicating to people of other cultures is a tremendous feat. So many things can go wrong! But in this global world, developing the savvy to talk to international colleagues is crucial. Although Agar's book was published nearly twenty years ago, it's still very useful. For teachers who will have second-language writers in their classrooms, the book should be on a must-read list.

One of my top 3 favorite anthropology books of all time. Lays out some of the major issues in linguistic anthropology in a clear and engaging way, and never loses sight of the human experience that is the raison d'etre of ethnographic analysis. His concept of "rich points" in language is one I've used in my own writing and teaching. Very sad that we recently lost this innovative scholar and great human being. RIP Mike.

Good: Michael Agar shows the interaction between language, culture and daily behaviour for insiders and outsiders. Insiders know implicit (and explicit) the meaning behind words and sentences that outsiders with only knowledge of a language may not be aware of. He shares his open mind for several environments/cultures wherein he has lived. He makes a strong plea for open mindness to a foreign cultures otherwise unknown/uncommon behaviour may be regarded as a defect in another culture resulting in rejection or worse. Debatable: Michael uses a organic/lingering style with many personal examples. This style has its merits and its shortcomings - see other reviews. Conclusion: recommended - a readable introduction to foreign combination of language/culture and way of living

I purchased this as a gift for a dear friend. He loves this book. IT was a wonderful purchase for people that are interested in this topic.

Easy book to comprehend. Explains theories with examples rather than interpretations.

Has some interesting points, but rife with redundant anecdotes. Hard to find any true epiphanies in this text.

Enjoyed this reading very much!

One of the worst text books I have ever read. This is nonsense. Some on used this as a basis for a thesis. Should be less than a star.

Livro exelente. Sem questionamentos

Very interesting. Good account of how language and culture are intertwined.