This is a study of the role of language and linguistic misunderstanding in the teaching contexts of higher education. It looks at the extent to which university students actually understand academic discourse, as well as the factors that influence the ways in which students' essays are assessed.

Drawing on empirical research and developing a distinctive theoretical perspective, Bourdieu and his associates argue that academic discourse is a medium of communication that both expresses and reproduces a relation of pedagogical power and respect.Academic Discourse is an important part of the work of Bourdieu and his associates on culture and education and is complementary to some of their most well-known books, such as Reproduction, The Inheritors and Homo Academicus. This translation will be welcomed not only by scholars interested in the development of Bourdieu's work, but also by students of sociology, education and applied linguistics and by teachers and others concerned with the role of language and power in the process of education.

Preface to the English Language Edition.
Glossary.
Introduction: Language and Relationship to Language in the Teaching Situation: Pierre Bourdieu and Jean-Claude Passeron.
1. Students and the Language of Teaching: Pierre Bourdieu, Jean-Claude Passeron and Monique de Saint Martin.
2. Student Rhetoric in Exams: Christian Baudelot.
3. University Students and their Attitudes to Academic Staff and Teaching Practice: Guy Vincent with the assistance of Michel Freyssenet.
4. The Users of Lille University Library: Pierre Bourdieu and Monique de Saint Martin.
Index.