Developing the linguistic turn in urban studies: Language, context and political economy

Imrie et al. argue that if urban studies is to avoid the problems associate d with the linguistic turn in other fields, then it will be necessary to li nk an engagement with language to a critical political economy. The recent Special Issue of Urban Studies on "Discourse and Urban Change" has made a h ighly positive contribution in this respect. This paper attempts to contrib ute to the further development of this linguistic turn in urban studies. Fi rst, it offers some critical reflection on the recent Special Issue. Second ly, it proceeds to present a case study of opposition to the closure of shi pyards on the River Clyde, Scotland, under the Conservative government of E dward Heath in 1971. In precipitating Heath's U-turn, this opposition had v ery significant consequences for Britain's urban areas. In understanding ho w this came about, however, a focus on language-use, linked to a critical p olitical economy, is required.