In this book, The Argument Culture, Deborah Tannen
examines how we communicate in public — in the media, politics, courtrooms, and classrooms — letting us see in a new way forces that have powerfully shaped our lives.
The war on drugs, the battle of the sexes, political turf combat — in the argument culture, war metaphors pervade our talk and influence our thinking.
We approach anything we need to accomplish as a fight between two opposing sides. This cultural tendency is deeply entrenched. It affects us every day — sometimes in helpful ways, but often causing damage.
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- Public Discourse Is Like Having a Fight Deborah Tannen
Image Credits: Midjourney
(Public Domain)In-person, 7–11 September 2026
Warbrook House, Hampshire, UK
We are living and working in conditions of uncertainty, complexity, and rapid change. This week-long workshop with David Gurteen and John Hovell offers a space to practise Conversational Leadership as a shared, lived experience.