First published 1990
In "Language and Power", Benedict Anderson delves into the pivotal role language plays in the formation and maintenance of political authority. Tracing the historical development of national consciousness, he reveals how the standardization of vernacular tongues was a key driver of state-building. Navigating a world of colonial domination, nationalist movements, and the rise of print capitalism, Anderson shows how the very act of language can both unite and divide populations. At its core, this work challenges us to consider the invisible ways that linguistic choices underpin the exercise of power.
Genres: history, language, political-science, anthropology, non-fiction, linguistics, academic, cultural-studies
Vibes: academic, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: academic, historical, political
Setting: Indonesia
352 pages · Hardcover · Cornell University Press