Performing Punctuation (Paperback)

Julieanna Preston

ISBN 10: 1835952208 / ISBN 13: 9781835952207

Published by Intellect, 2026

About this Item

Paperback. A transdisciplinary exploration of English punctuation's power and limits, this book invites readers and performers to reimagine and transform the rules that shape language and identity. Performing Punctuation is a transdisciplinary collaboration that challenges the colonial legacy embedded in the English language's use of punctuation. Gathering a diverse group of writers and performersincluding both Maori and Pakeha voicesthe book combines essays, performances, and experimental texts that converse across disciplines, creating space to rethink how language functions and whom it serves. Tracing the strident and rigid punctuation practices of the English language, laced with cultural and linguistic hierarchies, this book exposes the colonial roots of punctuation. Together, the contributors recast punctuation as responsive, playful, generous, and inclusiveopening space for a wider diversity of readers, listeners, performers, writers, and practices. Spanning literature, poetry, visual and performance art, cultural studies, language education, postcolonial studies, language studies, film, and sound, Performing Punctuation offers insights for academics, practitioners, and students across the arts and humanities who seek to explore how language can be decolonized, reimagined, and performed. A transdisciplinary collection raising awareness of the limiting effects of the dominance of English language and vociferous use of punctuation. How can English language punctuation discard its domineering and strident overcoat to enable a greater diversity of readers, listeners, performers, writers, and practices? 70 b&w and 61 col. illus. This item is printed on demand. Shipping may be from our UK warehouse or from our Australian or US warehouses, depending on stock availability.

Seller Inventory # 9781835952207

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Performing Punctuation (Paperback)
• Publisher: Intellect
• Publication Date: 2026
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1835952208
• ISBN 13: 9781835952207
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: new

About this title

Synopsis

A transdisciplinary exploration of English punctuation’s power and limits, this book invites readers and performers to reimagine and transform the rules that shape language and identity.

Performing Punctuation is a transdisciplinary collaboration that challenges the colonial legacy embedded in the English language’s use of punctuation. Gathering a diverse group of writers and performers—including both Māori and Pākehā voices—the book combines essays, performances, and experimental texts that converse across disciplines, creating space to rethink how language functions and whom it serves. Tracing the strident and rigid punctuation practices of the English language, laced with cultural and linguistic hierarchies, this book exposes the colonial roots of punctuation.

Together, the contributors recast punctuation as responsive, playful, generous, and inclusive—opening space for a wider diversity of readers, listeners, performers, writers, and practices. Spanning literature, poetry, visual and performance art, cultural studies, language education, postcolonial studies, language studies, film, and sound, Performing Punctuation offers insights for academics, practitioners, and students across the arts and humanities who seek to explore how language can be decolonized, reimagined, and performed.
 

About the Authors

Julieanna Preston is a transdisciplinary creative practitioner and researcher focused on materiality, place, and ecology. She teaches and supervises postgraduate students in art, design, and architecture in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Anna Brown is a designer, educator and researcher. She is professor of design and public good at Toi Rauwhārangi, College of Creative Arts, Massey University, based in Aotearoa, New Zealand.