Polari: The Lost Language of Gay Men
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Author Description
Polari Is A Secret Form Of Language Mainly Used By Homosexual Men In London And Other Cities During The Twentieth Century. Derived In Part From The Slang Lexicons Of Numerous Stigmatised And Itinerant Groups, Polari Was Also A Means Of Socialising, Acting Out Camp Performances And Reconstructing A Shared Gay Identity And Worldview Among Its Speakers. This Book Examines The Ways In Which Polari Was Used In Order To Construct 'gay Identities', Linking Its Evolution To The Changing Status Of Gay Men And Lesbians In The Uk Over The Past Fifty Years. Chapter 1 What Is Polari? -- Chapter 2 Historical Origins -- Chapter 3 Polari As A Language System -- Chapter 4 Uses And Abuses -- Chapter 5 Julian And Sandy -- Chapter 6 Decline -- Chapter 7 Revival -- Chapter 8 Conclusion. Paul Baker. Description Based Upon Print Version Of Record. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [200]-208) And Index.
Menrva's Summary
THE THESIS
This book investigates the historical development, social function, and eventual decline of Polari as a clandestine linguistic system used by gay men in the United Kingdom. Paul Baker, a professor of linguistics, utilizes historical research and sociolinguistic analysis to document how this specialized lexicon served as a tool for community building and identity formation. The text argues that Polari was not merely a secret code, but a performative language that reflected the shifting social status of gay men and lesbians throughout the twentieth century.
THE SCOPE MAP
What You Will Find
- A detailed linguistic breakdown of Polari as a language system and its etymological roots in itinerant slang.
- An analysis of the cultural impact of the radio characters Julian and Sandy on the public perception of the language.
- Historical documentation of the social conditions that necessitated the use of coded language among marginalized groups.
- A chronological examination of the language's rise, its peak usage in urban centers, and its subsequent decline and modern revival.
THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE
Experts recognize this work as a foundational text for understanding the intersection of queer history and sociolinguistics. Readers frequently note the academic rigor of the prose while appreciating the accessible synthesis of cultural history and linguistic theory.
Page Count:
0
Publication Date:
2003-01-01
Publisher:
Taylor & Francis Group
ISBN-10:
020316704X
ISBN-13:
9780203167045
History
Linguistics
Gay slang
LGBTQ Studies
Polari
Gay Men
Sociology
Community Tags
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