This study asserts that conscious development of new ways of thinking about language had a crucial role in modern history, particularly the discovery of how differences between languages legitimated social inequalities. It claims that savages and ancients were judged alike because they used language similarly, in contrast to modern Europeans who used disciplined language in scientific, philosophical and legal projects.

Review

“…an extremely useful guide to the intellectual history of the modern era”

– Canadian Journal of Sociology Online

“…A unique and singular book. Richard Bauman and Charles Briggs have crafted a wide-ranging and far-reaching work based on years of meticulous research that should be read closely be anyone with an interest in the emergence of “the folk,” “folklore,” and “folkloristics” in modernizing Europe…It has a prominent place in my library, is it should in anyone’s.”

-David Samuels, University of Massachusetts, Amherst: Journal of American Folklore

About the Author

Richard Bauman is Distinguished Professor of Communication and Culture, Folklore, and Anthropology at Indiana University, Bloomington.

Charles L. Briggs is Professor of Ethnic Studies and Director, Center for Iberian and Latin American Studies, University of California, San Diego.