The book presents a groundbreaking theory that conceptualizes religion as a distinct category of cultural representations. It explores how these representations shape societal beliefs and practices, offering a fresh perspective on the interplay between culture and religion. Through this lens, the author examines the implications for understanding religious phenomena and their role in human experience.
This thoroughly revised and updated edition of Downes' textbook is an accessible introduction to the social aspects of language and their various explanations. Topics covered include domains of language use, language change, code-switching, speech as social action, and the nature of meaning and understanding. This new edition includes an up-to-date analysis of language standardization, language conflict and planning.