Language in Thought and Action: Fifth Edition

Read this in high school, had formal training in general semantics in a Kansas public school 60-odd years ago. This was one of the most important books I ever read. Still in print, amazing.

With this book, I learned to make powerful and useful observations of others' thinking in conversations. I am grateful for the authors (Hayakawa et al.) for this book, it taught me to understand "language" differently, in ways that are not commonly gotten. I shared it with my brother, then my father and some of my colleagues. All of them embraced its value because of real results in their work and lives. I literally saw them shift in the way they think. The substance of this work, if read without the conceit of judgment and critique, does have this effect.Some of the low-rated reviews I noticed have an academically philosophical bent. But this book is highly pragmatic: you can do something with what you learn on a day to day basis. Observing others gripped in "two-valued orientation", for instance, enables you to help them "see" a third possibility - and beyond - in life where they might be stopped or gripped because of the two-valued orientation.This book is not simply an exposition about semantics. It offers the reader pragmatic new ways to "listen" to what is being said/read; to distinguish empty rhetoric from purposeful speech. If you are a CIO, analyst, or a knowledge professional dealing with large amounts of information, ambiguity, and diversified sources (people who speak different professional languages), the book offers various categories and distinctions to think with in order to act effectively in challenging situations and offer value in tough communication. It surely helped me with my work, business, and career.I highly recommend reading, then studying, then keeping this book as reference for anyone whose profession and success depends on virtuosity in language: Writers, business analysts, executives, business owners, marketing professionals, screenwriters ...

Very good price, fast-fast-fast delivery, near-perfect condition. I'll buy here with confidence.

Language in Thought and Action (5th edition) is a wonderful book. I have two copies (thought my first one was lost, bought another because I need it for regular reference) and I have recommended it often to others.In reading reviews here, I noticed that many miss the earlier editions of this book, feeling that something has been lost in translation in the latest edition. I was curious and wondered if I could ever find an older edition in order to see for myself. It appears that the Kindle version here IS the original text. I'm very happy to have access to it for comparison purposes. And what a price! (I feared that buying a physical copy of a first edition at a used book store might set me back a pretty penny.)That said, be aware that the books are significantly different. Just alerting any first-time buyer to select with care.Another note: I love the introduction to the 5th edition by Robert MacNeil (of MacNeil/Leherer fame) but this Amazon listing erroneously gives his biography information as that of the "author". That is confusing to say the least! Dear Amazon: please correct.

S I Hayakawa Language in Thought and ActionAbout ten years ago, an acquaintance suggested I read this book. I was not disappointed, but in the same breath, found myself rather depressed upon completion of reading. Hayakawa expresses the depth of the English language and how, with minor manipulations, the meaning of the written/spoken word can have multiple layers of meaning. Much of the meaning is lost on those not mature enough to truly understand words they read or say aloud, in particular youngsters reciting prayers and pledges.The English language, in a sense, is almost like television, and for that matter all forms of our current electronic media. The first edition of Language in Thought and Action was published in 1941, still the early days of radio, and television was all but non-existent. The updated version was published in 1991, at the cusp of the internet’s first days and all its manifestations to follow. Hayakawa documents how the poetry of the English language has been supplanted by advertising “jingles” (poetry has really suffered here), and television has become little more than a source for things we crave, as all that is associated with television is marketed for purchase. Politics has been shaped by television. A major example was the 1960 Kennedy/Nixon debate. Those who heard the debate on radio considered Nixon the winner, however those who watched on television witnessed how uncomfortable Nixon appeared to be, and thought Kennedy the clear winner.Language in Thought and Action is now in desperate need for a new edition, as the world of internet, blog sites, and echo chambers provide the individual with the ability to witness only what they choose to witness. This is where the book becomes depressing, not so much the book itself, but, by understanding Hayakawa’s thesis, and reading the book almost thirty years after its 1991 publishing, the reader becomes all too aware of those who have allowed themselves to become manipulated by their self chosen thought police.The book itself has very small print, but is divided up into small chunks and segments that allow for easy digestion. I began to recognize many of the examples used by Hayakawa in my own life’s experiences. This book provides a wealth of insight into the English language, its use, its abuse, and how what a tool(s) of communication(s) can be subverted into tool(s) of manipulation(s).Is your glass half full or half empty? Give S I Hayakawa’s Language in Thought and Action a read.