Words and Minds takes a lively and accessible look at the evolution of language and how we use language in joint activities. Examining everyday language and drawing on a wide range of research, Neil Mercer provides a unified account of the relationship between thought and language. Mercer analyses real-life examples of language being used effectively or otherwise in many different settings, including workplaces and schools, the home, the Internet, and the courtroom, and offers practical insights into how we might improve our communication skills. Words and Minds will appeal to anyone interested in language and how we use it.