Language and Creativity

Creativity in language has conventionally been regarded as the preserve of institutionalised discourses such as literature and advertising, and individual gifted minds. Drawing on a range of real examples of everyday conversations and speech, from flatmates in a student house and families on holiday to psychotherapy sessions and chat-lines, the book argues that creativity is an all-pervasive feature of everyday language. In this groundbreaking book, Ronald Carter builds on the previous theories of creativity, and offers a radical contribution to linguistic, literary and cultural theory. A must for anyone interested in the creativity of our everyday speech.