This book takes a queer linguistic and intersectional approach to the analysis of young LGBTQ+ people's identity constructions, showing how their language use reveals their marginalisation in society.
The author develops a framework for an intersectional sociocultural linguistics (ISL) and applies it to linguistic ethnography with members of four LGBTQ+ youth groups in the UK. She shows how the young people's identities are informed by different intersecting categories (including race, class, and family situation) which influence their unique life experiences. She uses discourse analysis to explore the links between such intersections and the ways in which the young people position themselves in relation to each other, their youth group, and the wider world.
In focusing on these individual, varied identity constructions, the book provides a unique, in-depth insight into the reality of being young and LGBTQ+ today. It also reveals the need for an intersectional approach when analysing marginalised groups.
"Jones offers a meticulously conducted, careful and caring look into the world of LGBTQ+ youth. Through ten chapters, we see how young languagers construct their own and others' identities - not only sexual and gender, but socioeconomic, racial and otherwise - and how they tackle burning issues in their worlds." --Eric Louis Russell, Professor of French & Italian, University of California, USA
"This is an excellent book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Thereotical concepts, such as intersectionality, are addressed and there is detailed discussion about language. The research studies are interesting, the findings from these are raw, rich and important and the writing style is accesible. A book that simply must be read." --Jonathan Glazzard, Rosalind Hollis Professor of Education for Social Justice, University of Hull, UK
"Lucy Jones's Language and LGBTQ+ Youth is an important and timely exploration of LGBTQ+ lives through the lens of sociocultural linguistics. Exceptionally well-researched, this book combines minute ethnographic detail with scholarly rigor, offering profound insights into the complex realities of LGBTQ+ youth. A must-read for anyone looking to understand the intricate connections between language and identity." --Dr. Christian Ilbury, Senior Lecturer in Sociolinguistics, the University of Edinburgh, UK