37.2138, Books: Americanization: Ricento (2026)

[The LINGUIST List]

LINGUIST List: Vol-37-2138. Tue Jun 23 2026. ISSN: 1069 - 4875.

Subject: 37.2138, Books: Americanization: Ricento (2026)

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Date: 18-Jun-2026
From: Ellena Moriarty [rfsupport at cambridge.org]
Subject: Americanization: Ricento (2026)


Title: Americanization
Subtitle: Speeches and Writings, 1901–1927
Publication Year: 2026

Publisher: Cambridge University Press
           http://www.cambridge.org/linguistics
Book URL:
https://www.cambridge.org/ch/universitypress/subjects/languages-linguistics/sociolinguistics/americanization-speeches-and-writings-19011927?format=HB&isbn=9781009728171

Author(s): Thomas Ricento

Hardback ISBN:  9781009728171 Pages:  194 Price: U.K. £ 105.00
Hardback ISBN:  9781009728171 Pages:  194 Price: Europe EURO 122.55
Hardback ISBN:  9781009728171 Pages:  194 Price: U.S. $ 140.00

Abstract:

The 'American idea' is often claimed not to be based on any ethnicity,
race, culture, or religion, but rather on the secular values
associated with the Founders' Constitution, and liberal democratic
values associated with the European Enlightenment. However, a careful
reading of American history tells a different story. This book
provides evidence that contradicts the view that America is a
universal idea untethered to a particular and narrow view of
Americanism. Using the techniques of critical discourse analysis,
Ricento explores the written texts and speeches of American
intellectuals and political figures of the Americanization era
(1901–1927), showing that American identity is a construction that
privileges a particular culture (Anglo-Saxonism), race (white), and
religion (Protestant Christianity) as the fundaments of national
identity. Examples are set against today's context as the rise in
right-wing political thinking has raised similar issues that continue
to threaten America's status as an inclusive and democratic republic.

Written In: English (eng, stan1293)



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LINGUIST List: Vol-37-2138
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