Includes index.

Content: Everyday talk: Introduction -- The structure and function of conversation -- Context and meaning -- Communicative strategies and conversation style -- Stories, accounts and identity -- Conclusion -- Using english to persuade: Introduction -- Contexts of persuasion -- Political rhetoric -- Advertising -- Conclusion -- Language play in english: Introduction -- The value of play -- Playing around us -- Song -- Graffiti -- The slip of the pun -- Interpersonal play -- Conclusion -- Literacy practices in english: Introduction -- Speech and writing -- Text and context -- Reading and writing practices in english -- Diversity and change -- Literacy as a loaded term -- Conclusion -- English at work: Introduction -- English among co-workers -- Working with the public -- Conclusion -- Market forces speak english: Introduction -- Information -- The marketisation of english -- Designing the language of employees: Speaking another language at work -- Conclusion -- Making judgements about english: Introduction -- Correctness -- Appropriateness -- Social judgements -- Offensive language -- Conclusion.