Language in Thought and Action: Fifth Edition

I am a prospective linguistics major, and earlier this summer I went to the bookstore to pick up a good book about language in order to have a little background before starting classes in the fall. I bought this book out of the four or five language-subject books there (perhaps because it was shorter and seemed to be written in a more friendly tone). I am so glad I chose this one.

S.I. Hayakawa does a terrific job of keeping the reader focused and interested. Whenever he makes a theoretical point, he is sure to provide at least one (and usually two or more) examples so that the reader can understand and relate the theory to real life--in effect, Kayakawa uses one of his own arguments in his book, and it works tremendously.

If you have any interest in language, especially about the more social aspects of it, such as its purpose in groups, connotations, and the necessity to take great care in choosing the words we speak, pick up this book. If you're busy, then just read one section (5-8 pages) a night. Hayakawa's commentary on the philosophy of language is outstanding, and Language in Thought and Action will make you appreciate the finest aspects of language and will urge you to use language in the most effective way possible.

Lift the veil of word-hypnosis. Open your mind to understand how words really describe, distort and motivate for better and for worse. This book will challenge your view of the world, of communication, of people, prejudices and perception. HIGHLY recommended.

The "debates" wouldn't continue to be evasive exercises in meaningless rhetoric.

People would distinguish sound bites from actual information.

People would lose interest in non-issues like flag burning.

People would take control of the objects and symbols that now control them.

In short, nobody could give a reasonable excuse to pay attention to FOX News anymore, we'd demand more of our so-called "leaders", and the world would probably be much the better for it.

S. I. Hayakawa's "Language in Thought and Action" is an excellent read. There isn't much that I can add to what has already been said by other reviewers. In terms of writing and speaking, this book will help me to remain cognizant about the words I use, their meanings, and their contexts. As a reader of books, articles, ads, etc., as well as one who "listens" to what others are saying, this book will help me to recognize that I must discern the "messages" I am receiving, in terms of their intended meaning by the writer and/or the speaker. While the book is very profound and thought-provoking, Hayakawa's style is not erudite -- that is, he does not talk "down" to the reader. I intend to re-read this book many times, in order to glean more of Hayakawa's important message. What remains is to try and get more people to read this excellent work, including relatives, friends, those in government, scientists and engineers, academics, media types, and those in the entertainment industry. If I could give this book more than five stars, I would do so without hesitation.

I read the second edition of this great work 35 years ago and it became the center of my educational process. Now when someone uses growl words, or refuses to lower the level of generality or brands a person by associating them with a label, I mentally repeat these basic principles of thought and civilization: The Word is not the Thing. Truth is found by getting to the lowest level of generality and examining things with care, not by inflaming people with symbols and putting people in boxes. This book is not only needed by students, but to help all of us deal with those politicans, marketing strategists and commentators who make their living by getting us to think in terms of shallow, implusive reactions. We live in a world of thought manipulation. Semantics can help you filter out the noise and learn how to think.

Dee doo dah dah dee do dah dah is all I want to say to you (when you twist words to manipulate me.... )