Language and Communication in Israel

The sociology of language & the sociology of communication are well-established fields in Israeli sociology, but it is only recently that their departments have grown vigorously in Israel's various universities. They are long-standing, respected disciplines in international sociology, as is evidenced by their academic associations & the reputation of their specialized journals. Language & Communication in Israel, the ninth volume of the Studies of Israeli Society series, presents a broad range of the various approaches & questions that preoccupy Israel's sociologists of language & communication. The collection starts with studies that focus on the presence of language & communication in daily life. Subsequent chapters analyze the relation of language & communication to social & cultural pluralism. Also included is a study of linguistic & communication aspects of politics & elections. A special chapter consists of an examination of the role of language & communication in the Israeli-Arab conflict & an analysis of the intermingling of mass media & the state. In their introduction, the editors discuss each of the chapters under the guidance of a key question, namely, the significance of the studies presented for the profile of the Israeli society, on the one hand, & of the Israeli scholarship of these fields, on the other. Two concluding chapters are also included in this landmark volume, one by Joshua A. Fishman & one by Elihu Katz. Each author emphasizes what he thinks is of major importance to the future of the sociology of language & the sociology of communication. Language & Communication in Israel is an enlightening study of two growing fields. It is essential reading for scholars of linguistics & communications as well as for sociologists & Israeli studies specialists.