The Word Weavers: Newshounds and Wordsmiths
Cambridge University Press, 5/31/2007
EAN 9780521832458, ISBN10: 0521832454
Hardcover, 276 pages, 22 x 14 x 2 cm
Language: English
Modern journalism is often the subject of criticism and opposition. Written by one of the foremost authorities on language and the media writing today, this engaging book suggests that view is unfair, and that journalists are in fact skilled 'word weavers' whose output is cleverly worked into planned patterns. Drawing on a range of authentic news articles, it traces the development of journalism from its origins to the present day. Aitchison shows how contemporary news writers have inherited an age-old oral tradition, which over the centuries was incorporated into public notices, ballads and storybooks - eventually providing the basis of the journalism we see today. She argues that, while journalists have very different aims to literary writers, their work can in no way be regarded as inferior. Entertainingly written, The World Weavers provides a fascinating insight into journalistic writing, and will be enjoyed by anybody wanting to know more about media language.
1. Weaving and worrying
journalism versus literature
2. Singers of tales
oral narrative
3. The tongue of the hand
speech and writing
4. Hanging, histories, marvels, mysteries
the birth of journalism
5. Calendars of roguery and woe
daily newspapers
6. Story telling
narrating and the news
7. Glimmering words
boiling down and polishing
8. Painting with words
imaginative creativity
9. Two ideas for one
exploring metaphor
10. The role of journalism
evaluating the views
epilogue
notes
references.