Langauge and Discrimination provides a unique and authoritative study of the linguistic dimension of racial discrimination. Based upon extensive work carried out over many years by the Industrial Language Training Service in the U.K, this illuminating analysis argues that a real understanding of how language functions as a means of indirect racial discrimination must be founded on an expanded view of language which recognises the inseparability of language, culture and meaning.

After initially introducing the subject matter of the book and providing an overview of discrimination and language learning, the authors examine the relationship between theory and practice in four main areas: theories of interaction and their application; ethnographic and linguistic analysis of workplace settings; training in communication for white professionals; and language training for adult bilingual workers and job-seekers. Detailed case studies illustrate how theory can be turned into practice if appropriate information, research, development and training and co-ordinated in an integrated response to issues of multi-ethnic communication, discrimination and social justice.

Celia Roberts is Emeritus Professor of Applied Linguistics at King's College London, UK. Her research interests include langauge and ethnicity, sociolinguistics and ethnography.

Preface Acknowledgements Transcription conventions 1. Discrimination and language learning: an overview 2. Mapping interaction: practice and theory 3. Cross-cultural training 4. Ethnographic and linguistic analysis in the workplace 5. Language teaching and learning 6. Conclusion Appendix 1: Industrial Language Training: its origins, aims and objectives Appendix 2: The role of the National Centre for Industrial Language Training (NCILT) Appendix 3: Race Relations Act 1976 Bibliography Index