About the book
Thirteen essays contextualizing the new meanings around certain words and phrases in the post-9/11 discourse
Terrorism, jihad, fundamentalism, blowback. These and other highly charged terms have saturated news broadcasts and everyday conversation since September 11th. But to keen ears their meanings change depending upon who's doing the talking. So what do these words really mean? And what are people trying to say when they use them?
Each of the thirteen essays in Collateral Language offers an informed perspective on a particular word or phrase that serves as a building block in the edifice of post-World Trade Center rhetoric. In some cases this involves a systematic examination of the term in question (e.g. \"anthrax\" or \"unity\")its historical roots, the development of its meaning and usage in the U.S. over time, and its employment in the current context. In other cases authors provide a set of more philosophical or autobiographical reflections on a particular idea (e.g. \"vital interests\" or \"evil\"), suggesting a need to consider the ethical and moral implications of using the concept uncritically. In every instance, however, the overriding goal is to give the reader a set of practical tools to analyze the political language that surrounds all of us at this critical point in our nation's history.
Witty, informative and highly readable, Collateral Language is a lexicon of political terminology and an indispensable tool for understanding the current conflict.
Editions of Collateral Language
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780814716274
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780814716281
Read an Excerpt
Thirteen essays contextualizing the new meanings around certain words and phrases in the post-9/11 discourse
Terrorism, jihad, fundamentalism, blowback. These and other highly charged terms have saturated news broadcasts and everyday conversation since September 11th. But to keen ears their meanings change depending upon who's doing the talking. So what do these words really mean? And what are people trying to say when they use them?
Each of the thirteen essays in Collateral Language offers an informed perspective on a particular word or phrase that serves as a building block in the edifice of post-World Trade Center rhetoric. In some cases this involves a systematic examination of the term in question (e.g. \"anthrax\" or \"unity\")its historical roots, the development of its meaning and usage in the U.S. over time, and its employment in the current context. In other cases authors provide a set of more philosophical or autobiographical reflections on a particular idea (e.g. \"vital interests\" or \"evil\"), suggesting a need to consider the ethical and moral implications of using the concept uncritically. In every instance, however, the overriding goal is to give the reader a set of practical tools to analyze the political language that surrounds all of us at this critical point in our nation's history.
Witty, informative and highly readable, Collateral Language is a lexicon of political terminology and an indispensable tool for understanding the current conflict.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Collateral Language about?
Thirteen essays contextualizing the new meanings around certain words and phrases in the post-9/11 discourse
Terrorism, jihad, fundamentalism, blowback. These and other highly charged terms have saturated news broadcasts and everyday conversation since September 11th. But to keen ears their meanings change depending upon who's doing the talking. So what do these words really mean? And what are people trying to say when they use them?
Each of the thirteen essays in Collateral Language offers an informed perspective on a particular word or phrase that serves as a building block in the edifice of post-World Trade Center rhetoric. In some cases this involves a systematic examination of the term in question (e.g. \"anthrax\" or \"unity\")its historical roots, the development of its meaning and usage in the U.S. over time, and its employment in the current context. In other cases authors provide a set of more philosophical or autobiographical reflections on a particular idea (e.g. \"vital interests\" or \"evil\"), suggesting a need to consider the ethical and moral implications of using the concept uncritically. In every instance, however, the overriding goal is to give the reader a set of practical tools to analyze the political language that surrounds all of us at this critical point in our nation's history.
Witty, informative and highly readable, Collateral Language is a lexicon of political terminology and an indispensable tool for understanding the current conflict.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Collateral Language?
Society and Social Sciences > Politics and government > Political activism / Political engagement > Terrorism, armed struggle
Where can I read a sample of Collateral Language?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780814716274
How long is Collateral Language and how many pages does it have?
Collateral Language has 230 page(s)
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Collateral Language?
NYU Press
Who is the Publisher of the book Collateral Language?
NYU Press
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Collateral Language is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780814716274) and paperback(ISBN 9780814716281)
Where can I buy Collateral Language online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Collateral Language from below
Where can I buy Collateral Language?