The linguistic analysis of the relation between language and politics is a well-established field of research. One focus is on how words and other lexical constructions are used strategically in the context of rhetorical practices.

In their book "The Politics of Language" (2023) the linguist David Beaver and the philosopher Jason Stanley develop a radically new approach for this field, starting from a formal-semantic background, which they adapt to the specific topic. In doing so, they reconceptualize some central ideas of semantics and pragmatics, including the fundamental conception of meaning in truth-conditional semantics, which they replace with one in which meaning is constituted by triggering resonances.

Especially for political communication, it is essential that the addressees experience sufficiently corresponding resonances to attune them to a shared reality, conforming emotional attitudes and a group-constituting identity. Presuppositions play an essential role here, congruent resonances are triggered that establish a perspectivized and harmonized common ground.

In the summer school, Stanley and Beaver will present their innovative approach and discuss it with participants. This offers doctoral and master students the unique opportunity to expand their knowledge of political language and communication and better understand the new perspective on linguistic practice and meaning.

Instructors:
David Beaver (The University of Texas at Austin)
Jason Stanley (Yale University)

Focus: Semantics, Pragmatics, Philosophy of Language
Minimum Education Level: Basic education in linguistics is required.

Linguistic Field(s): 

• Linguistic Theories
• Philosophy of Language
• Pragmatics
• Semantics
• Sociolinguistics

Registration: 07-Apr-2024 to 05-May-2024

Contact Person: Edgar Onea
Email: edgar.onea-gaspar(at)uni-graz.at

Apply by Email: edgar.onea-gaspar(at)uni-graz.at

Registration Instructions:
The summer school is available for MA students and PhD students from Austria and abroad and is limited to a maximum of 24 participants. Participation is free but no travel or accommodation costs are covered by the organizers.

Students who wish to give a talk at the summer school, an excellent opportunity to discuss their own research with the instructors and other participants, can submit a short abstract of one A4 page with standard margins and font including examples and references.
Students who wish to participate without a talk can submit a short motivation letter.

A notification of acceptance will be issued on the May 15, 2024.