Language: reference and general Books
Chronicle Books Speak Italian
Book SynopsisAttenzione!They say that a gesture is worth a thousand words, and when it comes to speaking with your hands, the Italians speak volumes. This quirky handbook of Italian gestures, first published in 1958 by renowned Milanese artist and graphic designer Bruno Munari, will help the phalange-phobic decipher the unspoken language of gesturesa language not found in any dictionary. Charming black-and-white photos and wry captions evoke an Italy of days gone by. Speak Italian gives a little hand to anyone who has ever been at a loss for words.
£11.39
John Murray Press Interesting Stories about Curious Words
Book SynopsisJoin Susie Dent, lexicographer extraordinaire and Queen of Countdown''s Dictionary Corner, on a curious and exceedingly interesting adventure through all the very best RED HERRINGS, COCK AND BULL STORIES and NINE-DAY WONDERS in the English language.Who was SWEET FANNY ADAMS?What''s the dramatic true story behind STEALING THUNDER?Why is it CHANCING YOUR ARM when you take a risk?What do bears have to do with LICKING INTO SHAPE?Or robbers with PULLING SOMEONE''S LEG?Why are CIRCLES VICIOUS?And, what''s so bad about a WHITE ELEPHANT? ''Nobody on earth knows more about the English language than Susie Dent'' Gyles Brandreth
£12.34
Elliott & Thompson Limited A Winter Dictionary
£10.44
Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Save the Cat Writes a Novel
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£13.29
Gill Listen to the Land Speak
Book SynopsisOur ancestors developed a uniquely nature-focused society, centred on esteemed poets, seers, monks, healers and wise women who were deeply connected to the land. They used this connection to the cycles of the natural world from which we are increasingly dissociated as an animating force in their lives.In this illuminating new book, Manchán Magan sets out on a journey, through bogs, across rivers and over mountains, to trace these ancestor's footsteps. He uncovers the ancient myths that have shaped our national identity and are embedded in the strata of land that have endured through millennia from ice ages through to famines and floods.Here, the River Shannon is a goddess, and trees and their life-sustaining root systems are hallowed. See the world in a new light in this magical exploration into the life-sustaining wisdom of what lies beneath us.We could do with a lot more characters like [Manchán] dotted about this world.' Irish IndependentManchán creates a gorgeous tapestry that lingers in the mind's eye.' Kerri Ní DochartaighManchán['s] got some theories about the roots of the Irish language that are going to blow your head off an incredible storyteller.'' Blindboy BoatclubManchán's passion for Ireland's ecological and poetic heritage is more urgently relevant than ever.' Darach Ó Séaghdha
£19.79
Gill NinetyNine Words for Rain and One for Sun
a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.
£18.69
Profile Books Ltd You Talkin' To Me?: Rhetoric from Aristotle to
Book SynopsisRhetoric gives our words the power to inspire. But it's not just for politicians: it's all around us, whether you're buttering up a key client or persuading your children to eat their greens. You have been using rhetoric yourself, all your life. After all, you know what a rhetorical question is, don't you? In this updated edition of his classic guide, Sam Leith traces the art of argument from ancient Greece down to its many modern mutations. He introduces verbal villains from Hitler to Donald Trump - and the three musketeers: ethos, pathos and logos. He explains how rhetoric works in speeches from Cicero to Richard Nixon, and pays tribute to the rhetorical brilliance of AC/DC's "Back In Black". Before you know it, you'll be confident in chiasmus and proud of your panegyrics - because rhetoric is useful, relevant and absolutely nothing to be afraid of.Trade ReviewReading this book is the equivalent of lounging in a leather club armchair, wreathed in cigar smoke and a couple of whiskies down, alongside a companion who's being funny and clever about Homer and Hello! magazine by turns. -- Charlotte Higgins * Guardian *Entertaining ... You finish this book more than ready to rock a first in rhetoric. -- Hermione Eyre * Evening Standard *This is the best available analysis -- Boris JohnsonWitty and revealing ... the chapter on Arrangement alone would probably bump up most student degrees by a class, not to mention the average oration -- James McConnachie * Sunday Times *Leith gives modern relevance to an ancient practice. Read this entertaining and instructive book and you will never again mistake an occultatio for an occupatio. -- Ian Finlayson * The Times *
£10.44
Thomas Nelson Publishers Pocket Bible Dictionary
a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.
£10.44
Potter/Ten Speed/Harmony/Rodale Fluent Forever Revised Edition
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£14.24
Profile Books Ltd Spell It Out: The singular story of English
Book SynopsisWhy is there an 'h' in ghost? William Caxton, inventor of the printing press and his Flemish employees are to blame: without a dictionary or style guide to hand in fifteenth century Bruges, the typesetters simply spelled it the way it sounded to their foreign ears, and it stuck. Seventy-five per cent of English spelling is regular but twenty-five per cent is complicated, and in Spell It Out our foremost linguistics expert David Crystal extends a helping hand to the confused and curious alike. He unearths the stories behind the rogue words that confound us, and explains why these peculiarities entered the mainstream, in an epic journey taking in sixth century monks, French and Latin upstarts, the Industrial Revolution and the internet. By learning the history and the principles, Crystal shows how the spellings that break all the rules become easier to get right.Trade ReviewEntertaining ... Crystal's many examples show that the development of English spelling is as random, unsystematic and anomalous as the British constitution. English spelling is as rich a mixture of anachronism, privilege and fashion as the House of Lords * Sunday Times *A prolific author ... he can write with authority on trends in the spelling of rhubarb and indeed on the history of the spelling of any tricky word you care to mention. For him, the patterns are clear ... highly entertaining * Observer *A prolific author ... highly entertaining to read * Observer *Spectacular * Readers Digest *This masterly book is a deft guide with a light touch -- Harry Mount * TLS *A spelling book with a difference * Yorkshire Gazette and Herald *Crystal's splendid book, the latest in a long line by this prolific language truffler, proceeds chronologically, deep in learning and characteristically light on its feet. -- Marcus Berkmann * Daily Mail *A Must Read...An entertaining and fascinating study of how English spelling became so wildly inconsistent. * Sunday Times *The chaotic yet enthralling story of British spelling through the ages * Bookseller *
£10.44
Gill The Irish Words You Should Know
Book SynopsisThe best book on the Irish language I have ever read so funny, so soulful' Tommy TiernanLoinnir: The sunlight sparkling on the waves, or the merriness you feel after early pints of stout in the morning.When you speak in Irish, every word is a tiny poem that reveals a new perspective. The Irish language is our inheritance. It lives underneath us in the soil, it blows through the leaves on trees and rises from the roots. Hector Ó hEochagáin is on a mission to help us reclaim that inheritance.From beautiful and melodic words like LOINNIR and phrases like CÉN CHAOI A BHFUIL TÚ?' the perfect greeting for when the postman stops by on a winter's morning; to GAFA' a way to say you're so busy you don't even have time to go to the toilet; DAMANTA' when you have an almighty headache or terrible hangover; and SIOCTHA' when it's so cold the grass is crunchy under your feet, rediscover the fun and magic of Irish words you can use every day.The godfather of modern Irish brings new meaning, richness and relevance to our language' Paul Galvin
£19.79
Oxford University Press Get It Right KS3 1114 Spelling Punctuation and
Book SynopsisGet It Right: Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar provides an accessible introduction to the basics of spelling, punctuation and grammar for 11-14 year old students. This series offers a comprehensive package of teaching and practice in one and focuses on what students need to know to write fluently and accurately, as well as helping to prepare students for the demands of further English study. Each workbook also has a clear focus on grammar in context; the contextualised activities encourage students to apply grammar knowledge to their analysis of a range of carefully-selected, engaging source texts.Get It Right: Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar Workbook 2 builds on Workbook 1 and is the ideal resource for students'' taking their next steps in understanding spelling, punctuation and grammar.
£10.90
John Murray Press Word Perfect: Etymological Entertainment Every
Book Synopsis'Susie Dent is a one-off. She breathes life and fun into words and language' Pam Ayres'Susie Dent is a national treasure' Richard OsmanWelcome to a year of wonder with Susie Dent, lexicographer, logophile, and longtime queen of Countdown's Dictionary Corner.From the real Jack the Lad to the theatrically literal story behind stealing someone's thunder, from tartle (forgetting someone's name at the very moment you need it) to snaccident (the unintentional eating of an entire packet of biscuits), WORD PERFECT is a brilliant linguistic almanac full of unforgettable stories, fascinating facts, and surprising etymologies tied to every day of the year. You'll never be lost for words again.Trade ReviewI love this book. Nobody on earth knows more about the English language than Susie Dent and nobody writes about it more entertainingly. This is a treat for every day of the year * GYLES BRANDRETH *Susie Dent is a national treasure * RICHARD OSMAN *A golden vaulted cave of fascinating and funny hidden gems for people who love words, for people who aren't that bothered about words and people who don't even really like words...and that is the magic of Susie Dent. * JO BRAND *Utterly addictive . . . unputdownable -- RICHARD & JUDY * Daily Express *Stuffed with delightful words . . . it'll keep Scrabble fanatics and wordsmiths entertained for hours * Radio Times *Entertaining * Spectator *Packed full of fascinating facts -- Charlotte Heathcote * Sunday Express *Magic -- Mark Mason * Daily Mail *You can pick it up and be absorbed for hours * The Press (York) *
£10.99
Elliott & Thompson Limited The Cabinet of Calm: Soothing Words for Troubled
Book Synopsis'It's fantastic ... Exactly the book that everybody needs...' Simon Mayo_____Sometimes we all need a little reminder that it's going to be okay... Open The Cabinet of Calm to discover a comforting word that's equal to your troubles.The Cabinet of Calm has been designed to be picked up whenever you need a moment of serenity. Just select the emotion listed that reflects whatever you're feeling and you'll be offered a matching linguistic remedy: fifty-one soothing words for troubled times.These kind words - alongside their definitions and their stories - will bring peace, comfort and delight, and provide fresh hope.Written with a lightness of touch, The Cabinet of Calm shows us that we're not alone. Like language, our emotions are universal: someone else has felt like this before and so there's a word to help, whatever the challenge.So much more than a book of words, The Cabinet of Calm will soothe your soul and ease your mind. It's the perfect gift._____From inside The Cabinet Of Calm...'RESPAIR': a word for a renewed or reinvigorated hope, or a recovery from anguish or hopelessness.'WORLDCRAFT': a collective term for the unique skills, wisdom and experience that an older person has amassed in their lifetime.'MELIORISM': the belief that all things, no matter how bad, can always be improved - given enough determination from people willing to improve them.'SYMMACHY': the act of joining or working together to produce a stronger force than could ever be managed individually - especially in order to overcome something that affects us all.
£9.49
WW Norton & Co The Great Gatsby
Book Synopsis“This superb volume offers a rich cultural fabric that greatly deepens our understanding of The Great Gatsby. Illuminating short stories by Fitzgerald, his correspondence, and his literary inspirations are all featured here. An indispensable edition.”—Wai Chee Dimock, Yale University
£10.99
Gill An Irish Word a Day
£18.69
Thomas Nelson Publishers NKJVNET Parallel New Testament with NET Translators Notes Hardcover Red Letter Comfort Print
a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.
£37.60
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Mastering Arabic Grammar
Book SynopsisMastering Arabic Grammar is a reference and activity grammar book for all beginners and early intermediate students of Arabic, whether studying in a group or by themselves. The book reinforces and expands the structures and vocabulary presented in Mastering Arabic and is the ideal companion to this popular course. However the clear structural explanations and practice activities make it a perfect companion for any taught or self-teach course. The book is divided into two parts: basis grammar and verbs. There are optional extra sections with explanations and activities covering the grammatical case endings used in formal, literary and religious Arabic.
£26.59
University of Wales Press The Welsh Language: A History
Book SynopsisThe existence of the Welsh-language can come as a surprise to those who assume that English is the foundation language of Britain. However, J. R. R. Tolkien described Welsh as the 'senior language of the men of Britain'. Visitors from outside Wales may be intrigued by the existence of Welsh and will want to find out how a language which has, for at least fifteen hundred years, been the closest neighbour of English, enjoys such vibrancy, bearing in mind that English has obliterated languages thousands of miles from the coasts of England. This book offers a broad historical survey of Welsh-language culture from sixth-century heroic poetry to television and pop culture in the early twenty-first century. The public status of the language is considered and the role of Welsh is compared with the roles of other of the non-state languages of Europe. This new edition of The Welsh Language offers a full assessment of the implications of the linguistic statistics produced by the 2011 Census. The volume contains maps and plans showing the demographic and geographic spread of Welsh over the ages, charts examining the links between words in Welsh and those in other Indo-European languages, and illustrations of key publications and figures in the history of the language. It concludes with brief guides to the pronunciation, the dialects and the grammar of Welsh.Table of ContentsThe Welsh Language: a Personal Perspective 1. The Origins of Welsh 2. Welsh in the Early British Kingdoms 3. Welsh in the Middle Ages 4. From the Act of Union to the Industrial Revolution 5. The Welsh Language in the Era of Industrialization 6. Welsh in the Later Nineteenth Century 7. Welsh in the First Half of the Twentieth Century 8. The Second World War and After 9. The Welsh Language Today 10. Welsh and the Other Non-state Languages of Europe 11. The Characteristics of Welsh
£9.49
John Murray Press Crystals Curiosity Cabinet
£999.99
Cambridge University Press English Vocabulary in Use UpperIntermediate Book
Book SynopsisThe words you need to communicate with confidence. Vocabulary explanations and practice for upper-intermediate level (B2) learners of English. Perfect for both self-study and classroom activities. Quickly expand your vocabulary with over 100 units of easy to understand explanations and practice exercises. Be confident about what you are learning, thanks to Cambridge research into how English is really spoken and written, and get better at studying by yourself, with units on learning vocabulary, personalised practice and an easy to use answer key.
£26.01
John Blake Publishing Ltd Red Herrings And White Elephants: The Origins of
Book Synopsis'The man with all the answers in Albert Jack' Daily Express'Square meal' 'Load of old codswallop' 'Egg on your face' 'In the limelight'. . .The English language is littered with everyday expressions like these, but have you ever stopped to wonder what they really mean and where they come from? Red Herrings and White Elephants delves deep into the fabric of English phraseology and in doing so explores the wide-ranging factors and fascinating linguistic history which continues to inform the way we speak to this day.So whether you want to impress whilst hobnobbing with clever folk, lick your pub quiz knowledge into shape, or simply add a feather to your linguistic cap, you'll soon be full of incredible facts that leave you feeling as bright as a button.
£11.69
Heart of Albion Press A User-friendly Dictionary of Old English and
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£13.07
Profile The Deorhord An Old English Bestiary
Book Synopsis'Invaluable - and hugely entertaining ... It is an absolute romp and a must-have for history and fantasy enthusiasts alike' - Eleanor Janega'Endlessly fascinating'- the SpectatorOld English was spoken over a thousand years ago, when every animal was a deor. In this glittering collection of words and animals we find deors big and small, ordinary, extraordinary and delightfully baffling. From walker-weavers (spiders) and grey-cloaked ones (eagles) to moon-heads and teeth-tyrants (historians still don't know!), we discover a world both familiar and strange: where ants could be monsters and panthers could be your friend, where dog-headed men were as real as elephants and where whales were as sneaky as wolves. From the author of The Wordhord comes another delightful dive into the realm of Old English: words and creatures that will change the way you see the world, and the strangest creatures of all - us!
£10.44
Atlantic Books Rare Tongues
a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.
£11.69
Cambridge University Press English Vocabulary in Use Elementary Book with
Book SynopsisThe words you need to communicate with confidence. Vocabulary explanations and practice for elementary level (A2) learners of English. Perfect for both self-study and classroom activities. Quickly expand your vocabulary with 60 units of easy to understand explanations and practice exercises. Be confident about what you are learning, thanks to Cambridge research into how English is really spoken and written and get better at studying by yourself, with study tips, follow-up tasks and an easy to use answer key.
£26.01
Kaplan Publishing 501 French Verbs Ninth Edition
Book SynopsisChoose Barron’s for language learning--a trusted resource for over 50 years! This edition of 501 French Verbs provides language learners with fingertip access to a carefully curated selection of the 501 most common French verbs--in all tenses and moods! Each verb is listed alphabetically in chart form—one verb per page along with its English translation. Follow the clear, concise instruction, then take your language fluency to the next level with an all-new online activity center.This comprehensive guide also includes: • Lists of synonyms, antonyms, idioms, and usage examples for every verb • A concise grammar review for easy reference • The popular 55 Essential Verbs feature, with an in-depth look at usage and formation for the trickiest French verbs •Over 2,300 additional verbs conjugated like the 501 modelsOnline content includes: • Audio program modeling native spe
£19.80
Zondervan Basics of Biblical Hebrew Grammar
Book SynopsisClear. Understandable. Carefully organized. Basics of Biblical Hebrew Grammar by Gary D. Pratico and Miles V. Van Pelt is the standard textbook for colleges and seminaries. Since its initial publication in 2001 its integrated approach has helped more than 80,000 students learn Biblical Hebrew.The third edition of Basics of Biblical Hebrew Grammar represents a significant updating and revision of the previous edition with the goal of providing students with the best possible tool for learning Biblical Hebrew.Some of the key features of this resource''s effectiveness: Combines the best of inductive and deductive approaches. Uses actual examples from the Hebrew Old Testament rather than made-up illustrations Emphasizes the structural pattern of the Hebrew language rather than rote memorization, resulting in a simple, enjoyable, and effective learning process Employs colored text that highlights key features of nouns and verbs, allowing easy recognition of new forms Includes appendices of verbal paradigms and diagnostics for fast reference and a complete vocabulary glossary Displays larger font and text size, making reading easier By the time students have worked their way through Basics of Biblical Hebrew Grammar they will have learned: The Hebrew Alphabet Vocabulary for words occurring 70 times or more in the Hebrew Bible The Hebrew noun system The Hebrew verbal system A robust suite of learning aids is available for purchase to be used alongside the textbook to help students excel in their studies. These include a workbook; video lectures for each chapter featuring the author; flashcards keyed to vocabulary in each chapter; a laminated study sheet with key concepts; audio of the vocabulary for each chapter to aid in acquisition; and a compact guide to help refresh students refresh their memory on language forms, grammar, and word meanings.
£36.00
Japan Times,The QUARTET : INTERMEDIATE JAPANESE ACROSS THE FOUR
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£84.60
Cambridge University Press English Vocabulary in Use Preintermediate and
Book SynopsisThe words you need to communicate with confidence. Vocabulary explanations and practice for pre-intermediate and intermediate level (B1) learners of English. Perfect for both self-study and classroom activities. Quickly expand your vocabulary with 100 units of easy to understand explanations and practice exercises. Be confident about what you are learning, thanks to Cambridge research into how English is really spoken and written, and get better at studying by yourself, with units on learning vocabulary, personalised practice and an easy to use answer key.
£27.05
Michael O'Mara Books Ltd 500 Beautiful Words You Should Know
Book SynopsisCRESTFALLEN at CHICANERY and CIRCUMLOCUTION? Have no TRUCK with TOMFOOLERY and TRUMPERY? Or OMNISCIENT about OBLOQUIES and OPSIMATHS?Whether you’ve answered yes, no or ‘sorry, I didn’t catch that’, 500 Beautiful Words You Should now is for you. It offers words that flow EXQUISITELY off the tongue; words that are just perfect for their meaning, like the lazy-sounding SLOTH and the heavy-footed GALUMPH; words that will make you sound clever, like DEUTERAGONIST and LETHOLOGICA; and words that are just fun to say, like LIQUEFACTION and LUXURIATE.It’ll tell you where they come from, how to use them and whether you’re likely to BAMBOOZLE anyone who’s listening to you. With occasional special features on great words for colours, words from the Classics and words that make you laugh, this is a book to delight BIBLIOPHILES and BLATHERSKITES alike.
£9.49
Profile Books Ltd Babel: Around the World in Twenty Languages
Book SynopsisIf you were to master the twenty languages discussed in Babel, you could talk with three quarters of the world's population. But what makes these languages stand out amid the world's estimated 6,500 tongues? Gaston Dorren delves deep into the linguistic oddities and extraordinary stories of these diverse lingua francas, tracing their origins and their sometimes bloody rise to greatness. He deciphers their bewildering array of scripts, presents the gems and gaps in their vocabularies and charts their coinages and loans. He even explains how their grammars order their speakers' worldview. Combining linguistics and cultural history, Babel takes us on an intriguing tour of the world, addressing such questions as how tiny Portugal spawned a major world language and Holland didn't, why Japanese women talk differently from men, what it means for Russian to be 'related' to English, and how non-alphabetic scripts, such as those of India and China, do the same job as our 26 letters. Not to mention the conundrums of why Vietnamese has four forms for 'I', or how Tamil pronouns keep humans and deities apart. Babel will change the way you look at the world and how we all speak.Trade ReviewEye-opening and thoroughly entertaining ... [Dorren] is wonderful company: chatty, informative, enthusiastic. -- Laura Freeman * The Times *Hugely readable ... Dorren is both an intimidatingly gifted linguist and a wonderfully eloquent writer. You couldn't wish for a better guide to the wonders of the world's bewildering array of tongues. -- Simon Griffith * Mail on Sunday *
£9.99
Oxford University Press Oxford Book Of Aphorisms Oxford Books of Prose
Book SynopsisThis anthology demonstrates to the full just how rewarding an art form the aphorism can be, and just how brilliantly the aphorist can illuminate the hidden truth, or lay bare the ironies of existence.Specific sections including ''Religion'', ''Money & Rank'', ''Men, Women, Marriage'' and ''Politics'', cover the whole range of aphoristic literature. This book brings together the most diverse figures-the classic aphorists, like La Rochefoucauld; the philosophers, from the Greeks to Samuel Johnson to Virginia Woolf-as well as statesmen, scientists, boulevardiers, Olympians, and gadflies. John Gross draws on their wisdom and wit to produce an anthology that will be referred to time and time again.Trade ReviewReview from previous edition 'entertaining, thoughtful, splendidly varied' * Kingsley Amis *'an admirable collection' * Anthony Burgess *'And now, from the people who bring you the best anthologies, one of their best anthologies' * Christopher Ricks, Sunday Times *'a really splendid book' * Observer *'fascinating ... [the reader] will experience the delight of having his worst fears for the human race confirmed with brevity and style' * Quentin Crisp *Table of ContentsIntroduction ; Aphorists & Aphorisms I ; Nature ; Mankind ; Life ; Desires & Longings ; Fears, Hopes, Passions ; Design and Chance ; Individuals ; The Sense of Identity ; Self-Love ; Self-Knowledge ; Self-Doubt ; One Among Many ; Fame & Reputation ; The Arts of Success ; Action & Achievement ; Money & Rank ; The Social Fabric ; Love, Jealousy, Libido ; Happiness & Sorrow ; Good & Evil ; etc
£999.99
Taylor & Francis A History of the Chinese Language
Book SynopsisA History of the Chinese Language provides a comprehensive introduction to the historical development of the Chinese language from its Proto-Sino-Tibetan roots in prehistoric times to Modern Standard Chinese. Taking a highly accessible and balanced approach, it presents a chronological survey of the various stages of the Chinese language, covering key aspects such as phonology, syntax, and semantics.The second edition presents a revised and updated version that reflects recent scholarship in Chinese historical linguistics and new developments in related disciplines. Features include: Coverage of the major historical stages in Chinese language development, such as Old Chinese, Middle Chinese, Early Modern Chinese, and Modern Standard Chinese. Treatment of core linguistic aspects of the Chinese language, including phonological changes, grammatical development, lexical evolution, vernacular writing, the Chinese writing system, and Chinese dialects. Inclusion of authentic Chinese texts throughout the book, presented within a rigorous framework of linguistic analysis to help students to build up critical and evaluative skills and acquire valuable cultural knowledge. Integration of materials from different disciplines, such as archaeology, genetics, history, and sociolinguistics, to highlight the cultural and social background of each period of the language. Written by a highly experienced instructor, A History of the Chinese Language will be an essential resource for students of Chinese language and linguistics and for anyone interested in the history and culture of China.Trade ReviewOne of the most thorough works on the history and evolution of the Chinese language, Dong’s History of the Chinese Language is a must for anyone studying any form of the language. Covering a range of topics in historical and contemporary linguistics, Dong deftly explains even the most complex linguistic theory in readily accessible ways and has something for anyone from a seasoned linguist to a casual learner.-- Dr. Justin Winslett, The University of SheffieldThis 2nd edition preserves the previous edition’s success in condensing the vast landscape of the historical development of Chinese languages into a brief, but comprehensive single volume. Reflecting on recent scholarship and new developments in the field, it carefully synthesizes Chinese linguistic facts, non-controversial research accomplishments, and fundamental facts about the history of the Chinese language, woven together with captivating stories and legends. It lays a solid foundation for readers and equips them for further exploration of the field, while proving to be a fascinating, engaging, and absorbing read in itself.-- Song Jiang, Associate Professor, The University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, USATable of ContentsTable of contentsPreface to the second editionList of tablesList of figuresList of syntax labelsChapter 1 Overview1.1 What is Chinese historical linguistics?1.2 Terminological clarification1.3 Periodization of the Chinese languageChapter 2 Prehistory 2.1 Establishing linguistic genetic relationships 2.2 The Sino-Tibetan languages 2.3 How old is the Sino-Tibetan language family?2.4 Linguistic properties of Proto-Sino-TibetanChapter 3 Old Chinese: The Elegant Speech3.1 Evidence of sound change3.2 Syllable structure of Chinese3.3 Rhyme groups of Old Chinese3.4 Initials of Old Chinese3.5 Consonant clusters3.6 Methodology of Old Chinese reconstruction 3.7 Tones in Old Chinese3.8 A reconstructed system of Old ChineseChapter 4 Middle Chinese: The Poetic Language4.1 The rhyme dictionary Qièyùn4.2 The fǎnqiè method4.3 Structure of the Guǎngyùn4.4 Rhyme tables4.5 The linking method for analyzing the Guǎngyùn4.6 The comparative reconstruction method4.7 The notion of děng ("division, grade") 4.8 A reconstructed system of Middle ChineseChapter 5 Old Mandarin of Yuan Dynasty Dramas5.1 The rhyme book Zhōngyuán Yīnyùn5.2 Categories of initials and finals in Old Mandarin5.3 Reconstruction of Old Mandarin initials and finals5.4 Tonal developmentChapter 6 Classical Chinese Grammar6.1 What is Classical Chinese?6.2 Morphology 6.3 Word classes 6.4 Basic word order 6.5 Special grammatical constructions Chapter 7 Vernacular Writing7.1 Diglossia7.2 Sources of vernacular writing7.3 Morphological developments7.4 Word classes in the vernacular 7.5 Word order in the post-classical era7.6 Syntactic changes Chapter 8 Lexical and Semantic Changes8.1 Extension 8.2 Narrowing8.3 Shifting of word meaning8.4 Substitution of lexical items8.5 Mixed changes 8.6 Euphemism and taboos in lexical changes 8.7 Loanwords and calques8.8 Clues to meaning change in Chinese charactersChapter 9 Formation of Modern Standard Chinese9.1 Origin of the national language9.2 The modern phonology system9.3 Morphological properties9.4 Word classes and cross-category flexibility9.5 Typical word order 9.6 Aspect markers 9.7 Current uses of special grammatical constructions9.8 Changes in the modern lexicon Chapter 10 Modern Chinese Dialects10.1 Formation of Chinese dialects10.2 Classification of Chinese dialects10.3 Mandarin dialects10.4 The Wu dialects10.5 The Xiang dialects 10.6 The Gan dialects10.7 The Kejia dialects10.8 The Yue dialects10.9 The Min dialects10.10 Influences of the national language on dialectsChapter 11 The Chinese Writing System11.1 Origin of Chinese characters11.2 Development of the writing system11.3 Six types of characters in the liùshū system11.4 Characters in vernacular writing and dialects11.5 Simplification of Chinese characters11.6 Debates about the nature of Chinese writingReferencesAppendix I: Major Chronological Divisions of Chinese HistoryAppendix II: Articulatory Phonetics and IPAAppendix III: Chinese Pīnyīn Pronunciation GuideAppendix IV: Correspondence Charts of Pīnyīn and IPA SymbolsIndex
£121.50
WW Norton & Co Mrs. Dalloway
Book Synopsis“Illuminating and original combination of biographical, historical, literary, and critical sources for Mrs. Dalloway by the leading Woolf scholar who edited the annotated edition of the novel. Diary and letter selections provide fresh contexts. Superb resource for teachers and students!”—Susan Stanford Friedman, University of Wisconsin, Madison
£999.99
Severus Griechische Tragiker: in textkritischen Studien
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£22.42
Profile Books Ltd Lingo: A Language Spotter's Guide to Europe
Book SynopsisWelcome to Europe as you've never known it before, seen through the peculiarities of its languages and dialects. Combining linguistics and cultural history, Gaston Dorren takes us on an intriguing tour of the continent, from Proto-Indo-European (the common ancestor of most European languages) to the rise and rise of English, via the complexities of Welsh plurals and Czech pronunciation. Along the way we learn why Esperanto will never catch on, how the language of William the Conqueror lives on in the Channel Islands and why Finnish is the easiest European language. Surprising, witty and full of extraordinary facts, this book will change the way you think about the languages around you. Polyglot Gaston Dorren might even persuade you that English is like Chinese.Trade ReviewDorren has such a light touch and a brilliantly roving eye that every page is to be savoured, like a local delicacy. His book is a wonderful celebration of cultural as well as linguistic diversity. -- Alex Bellos * Best Books About Language, for The Week *Through sixty compelling stories about European linguistics, it tells us an impressive amount about Europe ... An entertaining, accessible guide. * FT *Dorren's tour of the continent is a richly diverting exercise. He has something interesting to point out about nearly every topic ... brilliant. * The Guardian *The depth and breadth of Dorren's understanding and knowledge are awesome. * The Times *A new approach to understanding the world ... ideal for any cunning linguist. * Wanderlust *Gaston Dorren offers an excellent overview of Europe's languages ... It's very enlightening, and very well done * NRC Handelsblad *Joyful ... Lingo is that rare thing: a book about language the manages to be both genuinely interesting and enormous fun. Particularly impressive is Dorren's ability to flip with ease from jokes and surprising facts to the discussion of complex linguistic ideas ... For the sadly monoglot, Lingo is a wake-up call: a book that brims with joy at linguistic variety and invention, and reminds us what he - and we - are missing -- John Gallagher * Sunday Telegraph Seven *Full of charm and pleasing detail ... [an] amusing tour of Europe's linguistic landscape * Spectator *I love this book. It's witty and informative, with a wealth of engaging comments on all things language-related on our continent ... highly amusing ... the book's mine of information, make[s] this a great seasonal stocking filler - whether you're a lingophile or not. * Morning Star *This year's sleeper Christmas hit ... an amiable and entertaining examination of European languages in all their idiosyncratic glory. * Belfast Telegraph *Full of odd linguistic facts ... fascinating * Times Literary Supplement *I can't praise it enough. If you ever wanted to know how exactly Finnish and Hungarian are related and how Turkish fits in, it is clearly explained here in two to three pages. And so is everything else you ever wanted to learn about European languages but were afraid to ask. Brilliant, witty, excellent! * Times Higher Education *
£10.44
Zondervan Basics of Sahidic Coptic
£46.40
Taylor & Francis Cantonese A Comprehensive Grammar
Book SynopsisCantonese: A Comprehensive Grammar is a complete reference guide to Cantonese as spoken by native speakers in Hong Kong. It presents a fresh and accessible description of the language, concentrating on the real patterns of use in current Cantonese. This makes it the ideal reference source for all learners and users of Cantonese, irrespective of level, in schools, colleges, universities and adult classes of all types. Moreover, it will provide a lasting and reliable resource for all fluent speakers of the language. The book is organized to promote a thorough understanding of Cantonese grammar. Arranged by both syntactic categories and language functions, the Grammar provides an in-depth treatment of structures and pays special attention to idiom and speech registers, including trendy language. Explanations are full, clear and free of jargon. A glossary, extensive index and generous use of cross-references provide readers with easy access to the informaTrade ReviewReviews of the first edition:'It is fortunate that the long-felt need for a Cantonese grammar should have been so competently met at the first attempt. This is an excellent book, down to earth, up-to-date, full of insights, replete with well-selected and illuminating examples, and written with minimal reliance on jargon, so that it is accessible to all who are interested in Cantonese.' - Professor Hugh Baker, Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies'Cantonese: A Comprehensive Grammar represents the latest effort in writing a dialectal grammar, a grammar that aims to serve language students, teachers, and linguists alike with both challenge and elegance.' - Professor Samuel H.N. Cheung, International Review of Chinese Linguistics'A cover-to-cover reading leaves the impression that Matthews and Yip's work is undoubtably the reference grammar of Cantonese that we have been waiting for.' - Professor Alain Peyraube, International Review of Chinese Linguistics'Matthews and Yip make a formidable team in putting together what is, in essence, the first full-length treatment in English to date of the grammar of modern spoken Cantonese.' - Professor Marjorie Chan, Journal of the Chinese Language Teachers Association'The lack of a comprehensive reference grammar of Cantonese has long been a curious and embarrassing situation. Matthews and Yip's work therefore constitutes a landmark in Chinese linguistics.' - Professor Jeroen Wiedenhof, Glot International'Matthews and Yip have indeed written a comprehensive grammar, which addresses the needs of Western learners of Cantonese and of general linguists in a thorough and detailed way... the authors have given the Cantonese language a long overdue, rightful place and a proper prominence within the descriptions of Chinese.' - Professor Gisela Bruche-Schulz, Cahiers de Linguistique Asie OrientaleTable of ContentsIntroduction 1. Phonology 2. Word Structure 3. Syntactic Categories 4. Sentence Structure 5. Pronouns 6. The Noun Phrase 7. Prepositions and expressions of location 8. The Verb Phrase 9. Adjectival Constructions 10. Adverbial Constructions 11. Aspect and Verbal Particles 12. Modality 13. Negation 14. Quantification 15. Relative and noun-modifying clauses 16. Coordination and Subordinate Clauses 17. Questions 18. Sentence Particles and Interjections 19. Imperative Sentences 20. Cantonese Speech Conventions 21. Numberals and Times Appendiz: Romanization. System. Notes. Glossary of Grammatical Terms. References. Index
£68.39
John Wiley and Sons Ltd Introduction to Old English
Book SynopsisIntroduction to Old English is a leading text designed to help students engage with Old English literature for the first time. The 3rd edition includes numerous chapter updates, as well as expanded coverage of Old English manuscripts, runes, and other inscriptions.Trade Review“Enhanced with new anthology readings, common spelling variants, phonetic symbols and terms, a glossary, references, and a comprehensive index, "Introduction To Old English" is an ideal student textbook and highly recommended addition to academic library instructional reference collections.” (Midwest Book Review, 1 May 2012) "Excellent introduction designed to provide reading knowledge ... He [Baker] constructs the book to encourage beginning students to start translating almost immediately" (The Medieval Review, June 2008) "The fruit of years of sensitive, thoughtful and student-responsive teaching. [...] this work is a huge step forward in imaginative course design. It is accessible in manner and genuinely tries to address the needs of the modern student and teacher, taking them through a course step by step. [...] by far the best attempt yet to introduce Old English, and I enthusiastically recommend it to members." (TOEBI Newsletter) "Peter Baker's excellent new book, a combined grammar and reader, deserves to find a central place in the university teaching of Old English. It is unabashedly designed to be accessible to absolute beginners, but students who progress attentively through the whole book will in fact find themselves in command of a great deal of what makes Old English language and literature tick. [...] These chapters [on 'Metre', 'Poetic Style', 'The Grammar of Poetry', and 'Reading Old English Manuscripts'] constitute the real novelty of the book in their lucid summation of some essential truths that have rarely if ever been to clearly set out for beginners; the sections on poetry in particular deserve to be read by all students beginning the translation of Old English for the first time." (Notes and Queries) "The new edition is a solid tool that both an independent student and a classroom full of students will find useful. The book's approach is balanced. It includes just the right amount of explanatory text ... while also offering ... grammar tools and exercises. The selection of readings is varied and exemplary. Much thought was put into the choice, quantity, and order of the other texts in the anthology. I would certainly recommend this book for an introductory course in Old English.... Baker's new edition is a pleasure to read and would be a pleasure to use in the classroom." (Comitatus)Table of ContentsPreface xii Preface to the Second Edition xiii Preface to the Third Edition xiv How to use this book xv 1 The Anglo-Saxons and Their Language 1 1.1 Who were they? 1 1.2 Where did their language come from? 3 1.3 What was Old English like? 4 1.4 Old English dialects 10 2 Pronunciation 11 2.1 Quick start 11 2.2 More about vowels 16 2.3 More about c and g 18 2.4 Syllable length 20 2.5 Accentuation 20 2.6 On-line pronunciation practice 21 2.7 Summary 21 3 Basic Grammar: A Review 22 3.1 Parts of speech 22 3.2 Phrases 28 3.3 Clauses 29 3.4 Elements of the sentence or clause 30 4 Case 34 4.1 What is case? 34 4.2 Uses of the cases 35 5 Pronouns 41 5.1 Quick start 41 5.2 More about personal and demonstrative pronouns 44 5.3 Interrogative pronouns 45 5.4 Indefinite pronouns 46 5.5 Relative pronouns 47 5.6 Reflexive pronouns 48 5.7 Reciprocal pronouns 48 6 Nouns 50 6.1 Quick start 50 6.2 More about strong nouns 57 6.3 Minor declensions 60 7 Verbs 64 7.1 Quick start 64 7.2 More about endings 68 7.3 More about weak verbs 69 7.4 More about strong verbs 73 7.5 Verbs with weak presents and strong pasts 79 7.6 More about preterite-present verbs 80 7.8 Negation 82 7.9 The verbals 83 7.10 The subjunctive 85 8 Adjectives 89 8.1 Quick start 89 8.2 Strong adjectives 91 8.3 Weak adjectives 92 8.4 Comparison of adjectives 93 8.5 The adjective in the noun phrase 94 9 Numerals 96 9.1 Quick start 96 9.2 Cardinal numbers 97 9.3 Ordinal numbers 98 10 Adverbs, Conjunctions and Prepositions 99 10.1 Quick start 99 10.2 Adverbs 99 10.3 Conjunctions 101 10.4 Correlation 102 10.5 Prepositions 104 11 Concord 106 11.1 Quick start 106 11.2 Subject and verb 107 11.3 Pronoun and antecedent 110 11.4 Noun and modifiers 111 11.5 Bad grammar? 112 12 Word-order 115 12.1 Quick start 115 12.2 Subject–Verb 115 12.3 Verb–Subject 117 12.4 Subject . . . Verb 118 12.5 Correlation 119 12.6 Anticipation 121 12.7 Periphrastic verbs 121 13 Metre 123 13.1 Alliteration 124 13.2 Rhythm 126 14 Poetic Style 133 14.1 Vocabulary 134 14.2 Variation 137 14.3 Formulas 140 15 The Grammar of Poetry 146 15.1 Inflections 146 15.2 Syntax 147 16 Old English in its Material Context 156 16.1 Manuscripts 156 16.2 Runes 163 16.3 Other inscriptions 167 Appendix A Common Spelling Variants 169 A.1 Vowels of accented syllables 169 A.2 Unaccented syllables 170 A.3 Consonants 171 Appendix B Phonetic Symbols and Terms 172 B.1 International Phonetic Alphabet symbols 172 B.2 Phonetic terms 174 Appendix C Further Reading 175 C.1 General works 175 C.2 Grammars 175 C.3 Dictionaries and concordances 176 C.4 Bibliographies 176 C.5 Old English texts and translations 177 C.6 Literary criticism; sources and analogues; metre 178 C.7 History and culture 178 C.8 Manuscripts, art and archaeology 178 C.9 On-line aids 179 C.10 On-line amusements 180 Anthology 181 1 The Fall of Adam and Eve 181 2 The Life of St Æthelthryth 183 3 Cynewulf and Cyneheard 186 4 The Martyrdom of Ælfheah 188 5 Sermo Lupi ad Anglos 191 6 King Alfred’s Preface to Gregory’s Pastoral Care 197 7 Ohthere and Wulfstan 202 8 The Story of Cædmon 210 9 Boethius on Fame 215 10 A Selection of Riddles 223 11 The Battle of Maldon 227 12 The Wanderer 240 13 The Dream of the Rood 245 14 The Battle of Finnesburh 251 15 Waldere 253 16 Wulf and Eadwacer 257 17 The Wife’s Lament 259 18 The Husband’s Message 262 19 Judith 264 Textual Notes 275 Glossary 283 References 387 Index 394
£29.40
£14.39
Icon Books Knead to Know
Book SynopsisIn Knead to Know: A History of Baking, food historian and chef Neil Buttery takes the reader on a journey exploring the creation, evolution and cultural importance of some of our most beloved baked foods, whether they be fit for a monarch's table, or served from the bakestone of a lowly farm labourer. This book charts innovations, happy accidents and some of the most downright bizarre baked foods ever created. Everything has a history, but food history is special because it tells us so much about our culture and society, from the role of bread in the birth of human civilisation to the invention of the wedding cake, the creation of the whisk, or the purpose of the fish heads in a star-gazy pie. Food history encompasses it all. When we think of the evolution of something, we think every step is an improvement, an incremental elevation toward some peak of perfection. This is not always the case. Sometimes things have to become simpler, knowledge is lost and skills are forgotten. As a baker of historical foods, Neil Buttery demonstrates that forgotten recipes and traditional techniques are often worth trying out (and mentions a few that should perhaps be left in the past). The reader will be inspired by the characters, creations and inventions of the past to be better and more adventurous bakers.
£11.69
Zondervan Basics of Biblical Hebrew Workbook
Book SynopsisThis updated workbook is designed with the student in mind and intended for use with the standard-setting Basics of Biblical Hebrew Grammar textbook.As students complete the assignments in the workbook, the concepts they have been learning from the main grammar textbook are reinforced, making this an invaluable study tool to enhance student learning.Features: Hebrew alphabet and pronunciation guide. Memorization assistance for all 506 Hebrew words (excluding proper names) that occur 70 times or more in the Hebrew Bible. Exercises arranged in order of difficulty—beginning with parsing and identification of forms and ending with composition. Larger reading texts with grammatical commentary. Plenty of space for annotation. Compatible with a wide variety of English Bible translations.
£17.00
The University of Chicago Press Listening to People
Book SynopsisA down-to-earth, practical guide for interview and participant observation and analysis.Trade Review"This is the book we've all been waiting for: a practical, accessible, and deeply informed handbook to the nuts and bolts of how to do interviews and participant observation. A masterful guide that is perfect for teaching. Even the most seasoned researcher will appreciate Lareau's many insights and examples as they undertake their next research project." -- Shamus Khan, Professor of Sociology and American Studies, Princeton University“In Listening to People, Lareau provides insight into the practicalities of interview-based research and participation observation. This is an excellent and exciting guide that offers useful recommendations to researchers before they land in the field.” * LSE Review of Books *“Annette Lareau has translated her expert research practice into an accessible and awesomely instructive book that covers interviewing and field work from conception to publication. Listening to People takes the mystery out of the methods and reduces the anxiety of interjecting ourselves into other people’s lives. This book will, no doubt, be the standard text in training the next generation of writers, journalists, and researchers who listen for a living.” -- Mary Pattillo, author of Black Picket Fences: Privilege and Peril Among the Black Middle Class"Annette Lareau has written a wonderfully clear, truly insightful, and deeply personal guide to producing high-quality qualitative research. Organized around tools of “listening” and “thinking as you go,” she brings to light often unstated methods of first-rate research practice." -- Margaret Eisenhart, Distinguished Professor Emerita, University of Colorado Boulder"This is not only the best general guide to ethnographic research that I’ve seen (in 40 years of reading them) but also really a remarkable intellectual achievement as a seemingly easily written product of, I’m sure, years of exhaustive work. It appears to be a methods book, not a substantive contribution to sociological knowledge, but, because it is essentially a social psychology of the process of becoming an ethnographer, it’s both." -- Jack Katz, Research Professor of Sociology, UCLA"Listening to People is the book I have been searching for since I was a graduate student. It is the book everyone who hopes to produce high-quality qualitative research needs to read. Annette Lareau has assembled a veritable treasure trove of practical advice for the qualitative researcher based on her more than 40 years of experience in the field. The book is an honest and painstakingly detailed guide to conducting qualitative research from start (project inception) to finish (analysis, writing, and publication). It moves beyond the general “how to” guidance of other books to address all the minutia and peculiar realities of qualitative research. Listening to People will save future generations of qualitative researchers from the lessons that so many of us had to learn the hard way and from which some of us are still trying to recover." -- Karolyn Tyson, Bowman and Gordon Gray Distinguished Professor, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill"This book offers an unusually candid and compassionate lens into the process of qualitative research. Lareau provides concrete examples at every step. Not only interview questions, probes and field-notes, but elevator speeches, introductory emails, article introductions, coding schemes, manuscript reviews, and so on. She demystifies each stage of the research process. With authority, experience, and deep humility, Lareau makes a wonderful guide. Listening to People will appeal to scholars at all levels." -- Amy Steinbugler, Associate Professor of Sociology, Dickinson CollegeTable of Contents1: Introduction: The Emergent Nature of the Research Process 2: Before You Begin: Dreaming and Thinking 3: Preparing: The Early Steps in a Study 4: Learning to Interview: What to Do before and after the Interview 5: How to Conduct a Good Interview: Dig Deep 6: Learning to Do Participant Observation: A Practical Guide 7: Writing High-Quality Field Notes: Details Matter 8: Data Analysis: Thinking as you Go 9: Writing: Becoming Clearer about Your Contribution 10: Conclusion: Why Interviews and Participant Observation Research Are Valuable Final Words Acknowledgments Appendix to Chapter 3: Navigating the Institutional Review Board for the Protection of Human Subjects: Or, How to Manage the IRB Process Notes Bibliography Index
£19.00
Oxford University Press The Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs
Book SynopsisThis unique and authoritative dictionary contains over 1,100 of the most widely used proverbs in English, utilizing the latest research from the Oxford Languages team to source them. This edition has been thoroughly revised and updated, broadening the cultural range of the proverbs selected, and covering sayings of international origins. With a strong emphasis on concisely explaining the meaning of the proverbs described, the dictionary also provides additional examples of usage, and includes a fascinating history for many entries. Arranged in A-Z order and with a useful thematic index, A Dictionary of Proverbs is ideal for browsing and perfectly suited for quick reference. Look up your old favourites, learn punchy new expressions to get your point across, and find the answer to that crossword clue. It is never too late to learn: find proverbs relevant to every aspect of life in this entertaining and informative collection.Trade Review... Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs is an indispensable reference tool for every library shelf. Like the content, this dictionary will never go out of style or fall into disuse after all, "a good beginning makes a good ending". * Refrence Reviews *Table of ContentsEditor's Preface ; Abbreviations ; Introduction ; Dictionary ; Bibliography ; Thematic Index
£12.34
WW Norton & Co Dubliners
Book SynopsisDubliners is arguably the best-known and most influential collection of short stories written in English, and has been since its publication in 1914.
£16.40
3A Corporation MINNA NO NIHONGO SHOKYU [2ND ED.] VOL. 1 KANJI I
Book Synopsis
£27.78
Zondervan Basics of Biblical Greek Workbook
Book SynopsisThis expanded and updated workbook is designed with the student in mind and intended for use with the standard-setting Basics of Biblical Greek Grammar textbook, now in its fourth edition.Two optional chapters have been added to the Basics of Biblical Greek Workbook, allowing students to read large chunks of the biblical text and enjoy the fruits of their labor faster than ever before. Each chapter is divided into six sections and includes extensive exercises and significant biblical passages for translation.One of the most helpful and unique features of the workbook remains. You can go through the workbook on one of two tracks: Track One follows the workbook (and textbook) in its regular order, while Track Two is organized so you can learn verbs earlier in the course.
£16.19
