An Introduction to Language and Linguistics
A clear and up-to-date introduction to linguistics. This best-selling textbook addresses the full scope of language, from the traditional subjects of structural linguistics (relating to sound, form, meaning and language change) to the more specialised subjects of contextual linguistics (including discourse, dialect variation, language and culture, and the politics of language). There are also separate chapters on language and the brain, computational linguistics, writing, and first and second language learning. Extensively classroom-tested, this second edition has been revised to further support student learning, with numerous new examples, exercises and textboxes to model and contextualise key concepts. Updated throughout to incorporate contemporary issues and events, it includes worked examples of phonological analyses and multiple examples of a variety of World Englishes. A rich collection of online resources completes the learning package.
- Each chapter is written by an expert on the subject and presents a clear and current representation of the topic, supported by numerous examples and exercises
- Includes topics that are often underrepresented in linguistics textbooks, such as discourse, language and culture, the politics of language, computation linguistics, writing, and first and second language acquisition
- A rich online package includes solutions to exercises, sound files, suggestions for further reading, additional exercises, weblinks and digital figures
Reviews & endorsements
'This is a great textbook covering all the major topics in language structure and use. It offers a comprehensive survey of the field as well as intriguing insights into many current issues, from formal syntax, through language and the brain to computational linguistics.' Alexander Bergs, Universität Osnabrück
'An invaluable introduction to the subject that covers a wide range of topics in linguistics in a detailed yet accessible fashion. The extensive exercises will be particularly useful for teaching at undergraduate level and for postgraduates wishing to explore unfamiliar areas of the subject.' Philip A. Shaw, University of Leicester
Product details
September 2014Paperback
9781107637993
576 pages
245 × 189 × 25 mm
1.2kg
110 b/w illus. 1 map 15 tables 140 exercises
Available
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- 1. The sounds of language
- 2. Words and their parts
- 3. The structure of sentences
- 4. Meaning
- 5. Discourse
- 6. Child language acquisition
- 7. Language and the brain
- 8. Language change
- 9. Dialect variation
- 10. Language and culture
- 11. The politics of language
- 12. Writing
- 13. Second language acquisition
- 14. Computational linguistics
- Glossary.