Reinventing Identities

This collection of essays features feminist scholars examining how language shapes identities. Topics include African-American drag queens, gender and class in shopping channels, and communication in the workplace, contributing to ongoing discussions in language and gender studies.

Reinventing Identities is a thought-provoking collection of essays that explores the intricate relationship between language and identity, particularly through the lens of feminist scholarship. The contributors, comprising both established and emerging voices in the field, delve into how our identities are shaped, transformed, and defended through the act of communication. This volume is the inaugural release in the Language and Gender Studies series, setting the stage for a deeper understanding of these critical themes.

The essays cover a diverse range of topics, highlighting the multifaceted nature of language and its impact on identity. For instance, the exploration of African-American drag queens offers insights into how performance and language intersect to create and express complex identities. Additionally, discussions surrounding gender and class on shopping channels reveal how commercial language can reinforce or challenge societal norms and expectations. The workplace is another focal point, where the dynamics of communication play a significant role in shaping professional identities and relationships.

Overall, Reinventing Identities serves as an important contribution to the ongoing discourse on language and gender. By bringing together prominent scholars such as Deborah Tannen, Jennifer Coates, and Marcyliena Morgan, alongside newer voices, the book not only advances academic discussions but also invites readers to reflect on their own experiences with language and identity. Through its rich and varied content, this collection encourages a deeper appreciation of the ways in which talk influences our understanding of ourselves and others.