This book invites us to consider the relationship between language and meaning in a new light. In taking us through a variety of scenarios where meaning might be situated with either the producer of language, the receiver of language, or neither of them, Rosowsky shines a light on communicative practices that are of both historical and, in today's ever-increasingly globalised world, current and future importance.

Sabine Little, University of Sheffield, UK

This timely book insists that disassociation from semantics need not mean communicative failure. By proposing 'ultralingualism' as an integrating term, Rosowsky captures diverse practices and recenters analysis on the locus of reference. A precise, generous framework for understanding ritual, sound, and learning.

Adrian Lundberg, Malmö University, Sweden

This book will change how we understand the nature of sacred languages. Rosowsky's argument develops an incredible momentum as he articulates key aspectual linkages between such seemingly disparate phenomena as Qur'anic recitation, the Latin Mass, Eurovision competition, opera, graffiti, and Star Wars. Students of religion can learn much here.

Brian P. Bennett, Professor and Chair Niagara University, USA