The Power of the Word The Sacred and the Profane

This book brings together twelve authors who look at the concept of the â oewordâ from several different perspectives, inspiring in the reader a sense of wonder â " to think of the lowly word, which we toss away in yesterdayâ (TM)s newspaper, which we ignore on street signs, which we utter without giving a thought to the consequences of the power carried by the word. Moving from a psycholinguist explanation of the acquisition of language, the volume presents the function of the word in â oebadâ jokes, in propaganda, and in empowerment, from rhetorical strategies to poetry to silence. This volume explores a subject which can never be discussed completely: the word. Acknowledging this incompleteness, this volume nevertheless provides such insights that will allow the readers to see the word as a powerful instrument for changing the world in which they live.