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Lessons Experimental Translators Can Learn from Finnegans Wake: Translouting that Gaswind into Turfish (Routledge Advances in Translation and Interpreting Studies)
by Douglas RobinsonInspiring translators by making specific experimental writing strategies available to them, this book reimagines experimental translation through close readings of Finnegans Wake.Robinson’s engagement with translational aspects of Finnegans Wake provides rich and useful insights into experimental translation that encourage new approaches to translation theory and practice. The author analyses Joyce’s serial homophonic translations, portmanteau words, and heteronyms along translational lines (following Fritz Senn, Clive Hart, Patrick O’Neill, and others), and offers a showcase translation of Walter Benjamin’s “Task of the Translator” using all three experimental techniques borrowed from the Wake.The book will be a valuable addition to any postgraduate course in translation theory, literary theory, and Joycean literature. Translation scholars, students, and researchers will find this text a compelling read.
Lessons Learned: Shaping Relationships and the Culture of the Workplace
by Roland S. BarthBarth shares his often whimsical, but always thoughtful reflections on relationships at sea and in the workplace.
Lessons from Ground Zero: Media Response to Terror
by Jay PerkinsIt ranked among journalism's finest hours. That is what was heard in the weeks following September 11, 2001. They made mistakes, of course, but in covering one of the biggest disasters ever to hit the United States, journalists used their training, their experience, their understanding, and their sensitivity to provide coverage that helped bring understanding and a sense of calm to the chaos. Their performance did not end with reporting the immediate impact of the catastrophe. They continued to analyze what happened, the impact to property and human lives, the impact on government and foreign relations. Lessons from Ground Zero's examines journalism's efforts to cover a crisis, while analyzing journalism itself. Many lessons were evident to journalists as they sought to cope with the challenges of covering 9/11. The long-term question, however, is whether the answers they found served as catalysts for better journalism in the future, or whether they have been forgotten, put into the closet of old memories with no noticeable long-term impact. This book analyzes journalists' response to 9/11 through scholarly research and interviews with many of the journalists who covered 9/11. Sometimes they do not agree, but all are thoughtful and each adds to understanding. Public opinion polls show clearly that citizens appreciated and responded to media coverage. Given that this occurred in a time frame in which public approval of American journalism had declined, it is reasonable to ask what the media did that was different from their normal practices. This book provides some of the answers.
Lessons from a Dark Time and Other Essays
by Adam HochschildIn this rich collection, bestselling author Adam Hochschild has selected and updated over two dozen essays and pieces of reporting from his long career. Threaded through them all is his concern for social justice and the people who have fought for it. The articles here range from a California gun show to a Finnish prison, from a Congolese center for rape victims to the ruins of gulag camps in the Soviet Arctic, from a stroll through construction sites with an ecologically pioneering architect in India to a day on the campaign trail with Nelson Mandela. Hochschild also talks about the writers he loves, from Mark Twain to John McPhee, and explores such far-reaching topics as why so much history is badly written, what bookshelves tell us about their owners, and his front-row seat for the shocking revelation in the 1960s that the CIA had been secretly controlling dozens of supposedly independent organizations. With the skills of a journalist, the knowledge of a historian, and the heart of an activist, Hochschild shares the stories of people who took a stand against despotism, spoke out against unjust wars and government surveillance, and dared to dream of a better and more just world.
Lessons from a Translingual Romance: Conflict and Cultural Innovation of Intercultural Couples
by Jieun Kiaer Hyejeong AhnIntercultural couples (ICs) often face unique challenges that go unnoticed. This book delves into the experiences of 20 ICs living in Singapore and explores the complexity of their experiences through the lens of translanguaging. It shows how ICs mix language and culture in a borderless manner, not only between spouses but also with their wider families. Additionally, the authors examine the significance of technological advancements, which have transformed ICs' experiences over the past decade. In particular, parents-in-law pose a significant challenge for Asian-Western couples, as the relationship with them in Asia differs from that in the West. Each couple's unique shared culture and language transcends the borders of nation-states, requiring exchange, sharing, negotiation, and adaptation. This book provides an easy-to-read, holistic exploration of the issues faced by ICs, offering insight into overlooked aspects such as location, in-laws, and technology.
Lessons of War: The Civil War in Children's Magazines
by James Alan MartenWhile information regarding children and their outlook on the war is not abundant, James Marten, through extensive research, has uncovered essays, editorials, articles, poems, games, short stories and letters that tell the story of the Civil War through the eyes of the children living then.
Let It Settle Journal: Guided Prompts and Practices to Move You From Chaos to Calm
by Michael GalyonAn essential companion to Let It Settle and a roadmap to many of life's most difficult moments In the Let It Settle Journal: Guided Prompts and Practices to Move You From Chaos to Calm Journal, a transformative companion to Michael Galyon's acclaimed Let It Settle: Daily Habits to Move You From Chaos to Calm, you'll find a resource that serves as a personal sanctuary for reflection and growth, offering guidance through the tumultuous moments of life. Michael Galyon, renowned for his insightful approach to finding peace and control, provides a calming Journal for those navigating life's challenges. Let It Settle Journal is thoughtfully designed to align with the impactful lessons of its companion book. It addresses significant life events such as the loss of a loved one or the end of a relationship, each of which can lead to troubling emotions. The journal guides readers through mindfulness-based practices and targeted meditations for these specific experiences, fostering a sense of calm and understanding. You'll also find: Structured sections focusing on various life challenges and the accompanying emotional responses Meditations tailored to specific life experiences, offering a path to peace and clarity Experiential learning that encourages embodying the concepts of "Let It Settle" in a safe, guided manner Let It Settle Journal is more than just a journal; it's a companion for life's journey, providing a beacon of calm and a roadmap for healing. Whether you're grappling with major life changes or seeking to maintain equilibrium in a chaotic world, this journal is an essential tool for personal growth and emotional resilience. It's a perfect choice for anyone looking to deepen their understanding and application of the principles from Let It Settle.
Let Me Finish
by Roger AngellEssays from the award-winning New Yorker writer and author of This Old Man: &“Witty, worldly, deeply elegiac, and…heartbreaking.&”—The Boston Globe For more than fifty years, as both editor of and contributor for The New Yorker, Roger Angell has honed a reputation as a master of the autobiographic essay—sharp-witted, plucky, and at once nostalgic and unsentimental. In Let Me Finish, Angell reflects on a remarkable life (while admitting to not really remembering the essentials) and on its influences large and small—from growing up in Prohibition-era New York, to his boyhood romance with baseball, to crossing paths with such twentieth-century luminaries as Babe Ruth, John Updike, Joe DiMaggio, S.J. Perelman, and W. Somerset Maugham. He discusses his dread of Christmas, a revealing recurring dream, and his stepfather, E.B. White. He recalls glorious images from the movies he saw as a child (for which Angell has a nearly encyclopedic memory), the sheer bliss of sailing off the coast of Maine, and the even greater pleasure of heading home to the perfect 6 p.m. vodka martini. Personal, reflective, funny, delightfully random, and disarming, this is a unique collection of scenes from a life by the New York Times bestselling author of The Summer Game, &“one of the most entertaining and gracious prose stylists of his…generation&” (Time). &“A lovely book and an honest one…about loyalty and love, about work and play, about getting on with the cards that life deals you. It's also a genuinely grown-up book, a rare gem indeed in our pubescent age.&”—The Washington Post
Let Us Make Men: The Twentieth-Century Black Press and a Manly Vision for Racial Advancement
by D'Weston HaywoodDuring its golden years, the twentieth-century black press was a tool of black men's leadership, public voice, and gender and identity formation. Those at the helm of black newspapers used their platforms to wage a fight for racial justice and black manhood. In a story that stretches from the turn of the twentieth century to the rise of the Black Power movement, D'Weston Haywood argues that black people's ideas, rhetoric, and protest strategies for racial advancement grew out of the quest for manhood led by black newspapers. This history departs from standard narratives of black protest, black men, and the black press by positioning newspapers at the intersections of gender, ideology, race, class, identity, urbanization, the public sphere, and black institutional life. Shedding crucial new light on the deep roots of African Americans' mobilizations around issues of rights and racial justice during the twentieth century, Let Us Make Men reveals the critical, complex role black male publishers played in grounding those issues in a quest to redeem black manhood.
Let the Law Catch Up: Thurgood Marshall in His Own Words
by Cathy CambronA collection of US Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall&’s legal writings spanning his career, including his arguments, opinions, and dissents. The US Constitution promised much to Black citizens with its post–Civil War amendments designed to eliminate the stigma of slavery and create equality between all races, but unfortunately it delivered little justice. Thurgood Marshall spent his life working to make the Constitution live up to its promises. In the 1940s and &’50s, Marshall worked as an attorney for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), facing threats and harassment as he argued cases before the Supreme Court. His efforts culminated in the Brown v. Board of Education case, where the Supreme Court&’s ruling outlawed &“separate but equal&” public schools. After serving as a judge for the US Court of Appeals and as the first Black US solicitor general, Marshall became the nation&’s first Black Supreme Court Justice in 1967. Marshall believed the Constitution was a living document and a work in progress, and his career and legacy demonstrate it is indeed just that. Only through struggle, suffering, sacrifice, amendment, argument, and interpretation can the Constitution be made better. Marshall committed decades of his life to this effort, focused on his vision of what America could be. Let the Law Catch Up collects Justice Marshall&’s words from over the course of his career, from his advocacy with the NAACP to his arguments as solicitor general and his Supreme Court opinions and dissents. With introductions providing historical and legal context, this book paints a powerful portrait of a fearless man and his life&’s work.
Let the More Loving One Be Me: My Journey from Trauma to Freedom
by Judy ForemanIn this compelling tale, Judy Foreman reveals the terror she felt every night as a girl as she lay in bed frozen in dread, listening for her father&’s footsteps coming down the hall. She recalls his mostly naked body, his stale smell, his silhouette in the bedroom doorway. Worse, in some ways, was her mother&’s denial—her insistence that this man was wonderful, her refusal to acknowledge his drinking or his rage. It wasn&’t until Foreman spent a high school summer as an exchange student with a Danish family that she began to see how unsafe her own family was; it wasn&’t until she went to an all-women&’s college that she realized that women had value. Ultimately, this book shows that with time and therapy, it is possible to heal from serious childhood trauma and lead a life of deep fulfillment, rewarding work and, most wonderfully, love. It is a book about the power of emotional courage to change one&’s own inner and outer experience of the world, and about what matters most in life: cultivating healthy connections to other people.
Let the Story Do the Work: The Art of Storytelling for Business Success
by Esther ChoyPeople forget facts, but they never forget a good story. Let the Story Do the Work shows how the art of storytelling is key for any business to achieve success.For most, there&’s nothing easy about crafting a memorable story, let alone linking it to professional goals. However, material for stories and anecdotes that can be used for your professional success already surround you. To get people interested in and convinced by what you are saying, you need to tell an interesting story.As the Founder and Chief Story Facilitator at Leadership Story Lab, a company that helps executives unlock the persuasive power of storytelling, Esther Choy teaches you how to mine your experience for simple narratives that will achieve your goals.In Let the Story Do the Work, you can learn to:Capture attentionEngage your audienceChange mindsInspire actionPitch persuasivelyWhen you find the perfect hook, structure your story according to its strengths, and deliver it at the right time in the right way, you&’ll see firsthand how easy it is to turn everyday communications into opportunities to connect, gain buy-in, and build lasting relationships.
Let's Communicate: An Illustrated Guide to Human Communication
by Douglas Fraleigh Joseph Tuman Katherine AdamsExcel in human communication in school and throughout your everyday life. Lets Communicate gives you a strong base through real-life examples and practical skills to help you achieve successful and effective communication skills.
Let's Get IoT-fied!: 30 IoT Projects for All Levels
by Shriram K. Vasudevan Anudeep Juluru T.S. MurugeshInternet of Things (IoT) stands acclaimed as a widespread area of research and has definitely enticed the interests of almost the entire globe. IoT appears to be the present as well as the future technology. This book attempts to inspire readers to explore and become accustomed to IoT. Presented in a lucid and eloquent way, this book adopts a clear and crisp approach to impart the basics as expeditiously as possible. It kicks off with the very fundamentals and then seamlessly advances in such a way that the step-by-step unique approach, connection layout, and the verified codes provided for every project can enhance the intuitive learning process and will get you onboard to the world of product building. We can assure that you will be definitely raring to start developing your own IoT solutions and to get yourself completely lost in the charm of IoT. Let’s start connecting the unconnected! It’s time to get IoT-fied.
Let's Go Shopping: A Grammar Tales Book To Support Grammar And Language Development In Children (Grammar Tales)
by Jessica HabibPete and Jem are very helpful at the supermarket, but end up causing chaos with a tower of food on display. Targeting Subject-Verb-Object sentences and the conjunction ‘and’ for listing, this book provides repeated examples of early developing syntax and morphology which will engage and excite the reader while building pre-literacy skills and make learning fun, as well as exposing children to multiple models of the target grammar form. Perfect for a speech and language therapy session, this book is an ideal starting point for targeting client goals and can also be enjoyed at school or home to reinforce what has been taught in the therapy session.
Let's Play Rock, Paper, Scissors: A Playfully Connecting, Social, Communication, Book Game
by Robert Jason GrantLet’s Play Rock, Paper, Scissors is a creatively designed book game. Therapists, school counselors, parents, and other professionals working with children and adolescents can utilize this book to address a variety of issues. Let’s Play Rock, Paper, Scissors follows a psychoeducational model incorporating elements of cognitive behavioral therapy, play therapy, and relationship development approaches. This book game addresses a plethora of skills children and adolescents may need to improve upon including: improvement in communication ability, social skill development, improvement in engagement and attachment skills, addressing sensory and regulation challenges, improvement in play skills, and relationship development. Professionals and parents can have a fun and engaging experience with children and adolescents through the connection activities, and can ask follow up questions and role model when participating in the interactive options. Children and adolescents who will benefit from this game book include: those struggling with communication and social skills, those struggling with emotion regulation and engagement, and those with a diagnosis of ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, sensory processing struggles, and related disorders.
Let's Pretend This Never Happened: A Mostly True Memoir
by Jenny LawsonLawson takes readers on a hilarious journey recalling her bizarre upbringing in rural Texas, her devastatingly awkward high school years, and her relationship with her long-suffering husband, Victor.
Let's Stop Meeting Like This: Tools to Save Time and Get More Done
by Emily Axelrod Dick AxelrodUgh—meetings. They’re where productivity goes to die, right? There has to be a better way. According to leading consultants Dick and Emily Axelrod, there is. Using the same principles that make video games so engaging and that transformed the numbing assembly line into the dynamic shop floor, the Axelrods outline a flexible and adaptable system used to run truly productive meetings in all kinds of organizations—meetings where people create concrete plans, accomplish tasks, build connections, and move projects forward. They show how to design every aspect of a meeting—from the way you greet people at the beginning to how you sum up at the end—so that real work actually gets done. Those who have adopted this system will never go back. Neither will you.
Let's Talk About Hard Things
by Anna SaleFrom the host of the popular WNYC podcast Death, Sex, & Money, Let&’s Talk About Hard Things is an invitation to discuss the tough topics that all of us encounter. &“You will laugh, cry, nod in recognition, and by the end, feel like no topic is off-limits when it comes to creating meaningful connection&” (Lori Gottlieb, New York Times bestselling author of Maybe You Should Talk To Someone).Anna Sale wants you to have that conversation. You know the one. The one that you&’ve been avoiding or putting off, maybe for years. The one that you&’ve thought &“they&’ll never understand&” or &“do I really want to bring that up?&” or &“it&’s not going to go well, so why even try?&” Sale is the founder and host of WNYC&’s popular, award-winning podcast Death, Sex, & Money, or as the New York Times dubbed her, &“a therapist at happy hour.&” She and her guests have direct and thought-provoking conversations, discussing topics that most of us are too squeamish, polite, or nervous to bring up. But Sale argues that we all experience these hard things, and by not talking to one another, we cut ourselves off, leading us to feel isolated and disconnected from the people who can help us most. In Let&’s Talk About Hard Things, Sale uses the best of what she&’s learned from her podcast to reveal that when we have the courage to talk about hard things, we learn about ourselves, others, and the world that we make together. Diving into five of the most fraught conversation topics—death, sex, money, family, and identity—she moves between memoir, fascinating snapshots of a variety of Americans opening up about their lives, and expert opinions to show why having tough conversations is important and how to do them in a thoughtful and generous way. She uncovers that listening may be the most important part of a tough conversation, that the end goal should be understanding without the pressure of reconciliation, and that there are some things that words can&’t fix (and why that&’s actually okay). Touching, personal, and inspiring, Let's Talk About Hard Things is a profound meditation on why communication can connect us instead of divide us and how we can all do it better.
Let's Talk About Loneliness: The Search for Connection in a Lonely World
by Simone HengThe true antidote to loneliness, this book will teach you the secret to building meaningful relationships and the importance of authentic connections in a lonely world.Is it possible to have hundreds of followers on social media but still feel isolated? To live in a city of millions of people but find yourself alone? No one really wants to admit it, but the answer is certainly 'yes'.So, let's talk about loneliness. Human connection specialist Simone Heng knows a lot about being lonely. She left an enviable career and social life to move back to her family home to care for her mother. All alone in a house filled with memories but devoid of people, she was faced with the realization that human connection is one of our most essential needs.There's a global loneliness epidemic. Every one of us has experienced feeling lonely, even if we don't realize it. The modern world has changed how we live and the 'village' environment with spontaneous connection has been replaced by remote work and contrived relationships. Most importantly, the old stereotypes of what loneliness looks like no longer hold true — in a world where technology has made us more 'connected' than ever before, people of all ages are feeling alone.Simone shares her journey to understanding the value of human connection and explains how to distinguish authentic relationships from fake substitutes. This definitive book on loneliness shows us how to build meaningful relationships with those that matter the most, forge new friendships, and create the genuine connections we all crave.
Let's Talk About Race in Storytimes
by Jessica Anne BrattWith the help of this book’s adaptable storytime activities, tools for self-reflection, and discussion starters, children’s librarians will learn how to put anti-racism work into their professional practice while fostering an environment that celebrates all identities. <p><p>As the weekly lists of best-sellers demonstrate, many people want to engage with racial issues. But when it comes to talking about race, they often don’t know how or are hesitant to take the first steps. This includes children's librarians, who are taking seriously our profession’s calls for diversity, equity, and inclusion. They already know that popular storytimes can be an effective way to increase community representation and belonging at the library. Incorporating race into storytimes is an ideal way to foster inclusion by normalizing conversations about these issues. <p><p>This book will help public and school librarians face their own biases, showing them how to have honest discussions with children, their caregivers, and storytime attendees, as well as their colleagues.
Let's Talk: How to Have Better Conversations
by Nihal Arthanayake'Read this fascinating book and you'll become a better listener, a better conversationalist and better company' Adam Kay'A brilliant book on the art of conversation' Matt Haig'A compulsory book for these divided times' Sathnam Sanghera'An intriguing exploration of the importance of a proper chinwag' Sara Cox'A terrific book from a terrific broadcaster. Worryingly good'' Jeremy Vine'An insightful, important read' Stacey Dooley'A genuinely brilliant broadcaster' Matthew Syed'A masterly book' Matthew d'Ancona 'Brilliant in the year and just as brilliant on the page' Anita Anand 'Fascinating and thought-provoking' Jane Fallon'Informed, open-minded, fair, astute, caring and funny' Ricky Gervais 'A grand theory of conversation' Dan Snow'The conversation king' Laura Whitmore...How do you talk to someone who doesn't want to talk to you?What happens in the brain when we're having a good conversation?What have smartphones done to how we connect?Conversations are broken. And while effective dialogue is supposed to lead to greater fulfilment in our personal and professional lives, all the scientific evidence points towards us sharing fewer interactions than previous generations. From ever decreasing face-to-face meetings to echo chambers online, we no longer have the necessary tools to talk to each other.Nihal Arthanayake is bucking this trend. As the world becomes increasingly more fractured, he has built a platform of 1.2 million listeners a week on BBC Radio 5 Live who regard him as one of the best people of his generation at having public conversations. Guests from the world's biggest stars to leaders of inner-city gangs have lauded his seemingly innate ability to stimulate positive discussions without the need for confrontation. Now he wants to understand how he developed his skills, what it exactly means to have a 'great conversation' and, most importantly, how he can teach us to have better interactions in our everyday lives.Let's Talk blends Nihal's experiences as an acclaimed interviewer with expert and celebrity opinion on the secrets and psychology behind successful communication. From tracing the evolution of dialogue to discovering what lights up in the brain when we're enjoying a good discussion, Nihal speaks to conversational authorities including Lorraine Kelly, former president of Ireland Mary McAleese, Professor Tanya Byron, internationally bestselling author Johann Hari, Matthew Syed, and many more, to find out why good conversation has eroded over time and how we can fix it.Part how-to and part manifesto, Let's Talk is Nihal's accessible, anecdotal and invigorating toolkit to having better conversations with anyone, any time.
Let's Talk: How to Have Better Conversations
by Nihal Arthanayake'Read this fascinating book and you'll become a better listener, a better conversationalist and better company' Adam Kay'A brilliant book on the art of conversation' Matt Haig'A compulsory book for these divided times' Sathnam Sanghera'An intriguing exploration of the importance of a proper chinwag' Sara Cox'A terrific book from a terrific broadcaster. Worryingly good'' Jeremy Vine'An insightful, important read' Stacey Dooley'A genuinely brilliant broadcaster' Matthew Syed'A masterly book' Matthew d'Ancona 'Brilliant in the year and just as brilliant on the page' Anita Anand 'Fascinating and thought-provoking' Jane Fallon'Informed, open-minded, fair, astute, caring and funny' Ricky Gervais 'A grand theory of conversation' Dan Snow'The conversation king' Laura Whitmore...How do you talk to someone who doesn't want to talk to you?What happens in the brain when we're having a good conversation?What have smartphones done to how we connect?Conversations are broken. And while effective dialogue is supposed to lead to greater fulfilment in our personal and professional lives, all the scientific evidence points towards us sharing fewer interactions than previous generations. From ever decreasing face-to-face meetings to echo chambers online, we no longer have the necessary tools to talk to each other.Nihal Arthanayake is bucking this trend. As the world becomes increasingly more fractured, he has built a platform of 1.2 million listeners a week on BBC Radio 5 Live who regard him as one of the best people of his generation at having public conversations. Guests from the world's biggest stars to leaders of inner-city gangs have lauded his seemingly innate ability to stimulate positive discussions without the need for confrontation. Now he wants to understand how he developed his skills, what it exactly means to have a 'great conversation' and, most importantly, how he can teach us to have better interactions in our everyday lives.Let's Talk blends Nihal's experiences as an acclaimed interviewer with expert and celebrity opinion on the secrets and psychology behind successful communication. From tracing the evolution of dialogue to discovering what lights up in the brain when we're enjoying a good discussion, Nihal speaks to conversational authorities including Lorraine Kelly, former president of Ireland Mary McAleese, Professor Tanya Byron, internationally bestselling author Johann Hari, Matthew Syed, and many more, to find out why good conversation has eroded over time and how we can fix it.Part how-to and part manifesto, Let's Talk is Nihal's accessible, anecdotal and invigorating toolkit to having better conversations with anyone, any time.
Let's Talk: Make Effective Feedback Your Superpower
by Therese HustonA game-changing model for giving effective feedback to peers, employees, or even your boss--without offending or demotivating.How are you supposed to tell someone that they're not meeting expectations without crushing their spirit? Regular feedback, when delivered skillfully, can turn average performers into the hardest workers and stars into superstars. Yet many see it as an awkward chore: Recent studies have revealed 37% of managers dread giving feedback, and 65% of employees wish their managers gave more feedback. This trail-blazing new model eliminates the guesswork. Dr. Therese Huston, the founding director of the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning at Seattle University, discovered that the key to being listened to is to listen. First, find out what kind of feedback an employee wants most: appreciation, coaching, or evaluation. If they crave one, they'll be more receptive once their need has been satisfied. Then Huston lays out counterintuitive strategies for delivering each type of feedback successfully, including: • Start by saying your good intentions out loud: it may feel unnecessary, but it makes all the difference. • Side with the person, not the problem: a bad habit or behavior is probably less entrenched than you think. • Give reports a chance to correct inaccurate feedback: they want an opportunity to talk more than they want you to be a good talker.This handbook will make a once-stressful ordeal feel natural, and, by greasing the wheels of regular feedback conversations, help managers improve performance, trust, and mutual understanding.
Letter Writing and Language Change
by Daniel Schreier Anita Auer Daniel Schreier Richard J. Watts Anita AuerLetter Writing and Language Change outlines the historical sociolinguistic value of letter analysis, both in theory and practice. The chapters in this volume make use of insights from all three 'Waves of Variation Studies', and many of them, either implicitly or explicitly, look at specific aspects of the language of the letter writers in an effort to discover how those writers position themselves and how they attempt, consciously or unconsciously, to construct social identities. The letters are largely from people in the lower strata of social structure, either to addressees of the same social status or of a higher status. In this sense the question of the use of 'standard' and/or 'nonstandard' varieties of English is in the forefront of the contributors' interest. Ultimately, the studies challenge the assumption that there is only one 'legitimate' and homogenous form of English or of any other language.