This is the first text on language in communication written from a social psychological perspective that sets issues in their broader biological, sociological and cultural contexts. This is a comprehensive text on language and communication, written from a social psychological perspective. It shows how language and non-verbal activities are integrated in the process of communication and looks at what language is used for and how it works in context.

Assuming that students have not previously studied language at tertiary level, the author first introduces them to the constituent parts of language, how they fit together, and how they facilitate communication. Succeeding chapters take the functions of language in turn and illustrate how the particular units and structure operate to serve these functions. For each topic the author provides a brief review, evidence about the roles of verbal and non-verbal activity, an evaluation of the current state of knowledge in that area, and suggestions for future research. Throughout the book, a variety of complementary psychological and linguistic perspectives are represented. In all cases, descriptions and explanations are accompanied by data and experimental findings, ensuring a balanced approach.