This book critically addresses the role of language in our collective construction of 'normal' bodies. Addressing a range of concerns linked with visible and invisible, chronic and terminal conditions, the volume probes issues in and around patient and caregiver accounts. Focussing on body conditions associated with breast cancer, Alzheimer's disease, (type-1) diabetes, epilepsy, partial hearing and autism, the book draws on a range of critical theories to contest collectively assembled notions of 'abnormality,' 'disability' and 'impairments.' It also addresses the need for applied sociolinguists to take account of how our researching practices - the texts we produce, the orientations we assume, the theoretical grounds from which we proceed-- create 'meanings' about bodies and 'normalcy,' and the importance of remaining ever vigilant and civically responsible in what we do or claim to do.
"Over the last couple of years, Ramanathan has played a leading role in developing a critical and nuanced approach to language and health complementing the dominant psycholinguistic approaches to health and the body. In this book she demonstrates her expertise with a balanced review of literature on the body from different disciplines from different parts of the world. Her sensitivity to perspecti
Sinfree Makoni, Pennsylvania State University, USA
"In the field of applied linguistics, health issues have traditionally been examined from an outsider perspective, as something that happens to others, and is negotiated in conversations between disembodied doctors and patients. Ramanathan's ground-breaking book turns the scholarly gaze inwards reminding us that our collective sense of normalcy is but an illusion and our bodies are a material real
Aneta Pavlenko, Temple University, USA
"This truly fascinating book draws our attention to the materiality of bodies and illness while analyzing manifold personal accounts and experiences. Although we all experience our bodies and feelings via language and although our feelings are socially categorized and 'disciplined', materiality as the author rightly argues and indeed proves - remains salient. Illness and disabilities are not only
