Typography and Language in Everyday Life Prescriptions and Practices

General Editor Christopher N. Candlin, Chair Professor of Applied Linguistics, Department of English, Centre for English Language Education and Communication Research, City University of Hong Kong Language in Social Life is a major series which highlights the importance of language to an understanding of issues of social and professional concern. It will be of practical relevance to all those wanting to understand how the ways we communicate both influence and are influenced by the structures and forces of contemporary social institutions. Typography and Language in Everyday Life provides a detailed look at graphic as well as linguistic aspects of language and suggests there is much to be gained from collaboration between typographers and applied linguists. The first part of the book provides an introduction to aspects of typographic theory and history and suggests some areas of applied linguistics that offer approaches to studying graphic language. The second part comprises case studies which look at the relationship between prescription and practice for visual organisation by considering everyday display typography, house style and typing manuals, and letter-writing. Each of these subjects is looked at from historical and theoretical perspectives. Aimed at those who may be unfamiliar with theoretical and historical perspectives on the graphic aspects of language, and with broad concepts in applied linguistics, the book also directs readers to areas of further reading in each of these fields. Extensively illustrated with examples of past and present graphic language, Typography and Language in Everyday Life is essential reading for students of typography, graphic design, applied linguistics and education, as well as the general reader. Sue Walker is Head of the Department of Typography and Graphic Communication at The University of Reading, where she has taught since 1980. Alongside her academic work, she practices as a typographer and information designer and was a founding partner of Text Matters, an information design consultancy, in 1990.Walker, Sue is the author of 'Typography and Language in Everyday Life Prescriptions and Practices', published 2001 under ISBN 9780582357556 and ISBN 0582357551.