Is this the right book for me?This classic book is a straightforward introduction to linguistics which attempts to answer two fundamental questions: ''What is language?'' and ''How does language work?'' It outlines the scope of linguistics, explaining basic concepts and essential terminology with examples drawn mainly from English. Sound patterning, syntax and meaning - the inner core of linguistics - are discussed simply and clearly, as are the rapidly growing areas of pragmatics, sociolinguistics, psycholinguistics and stylistics. You will find this contemporary, easy-to-read book essential to broadening your understanding of the subtleties and power of language.
Learn effortlessly with easy-to-read page design and interactive features:Not got much time?One, five and ten-minute introductions to key principles to get you started.
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Table of Contents
- : Preface
- 01: What is linguistics?
- 02: What is language?
- 03: The study of language
- 04: Deciding where to begin
- 05: Sound patterns
- 06: Words and pieces of words
- 07: Sentence patterns
- 08: Meaning
- 09: Using language
- 10: Language and society
- 11: Language and mind
- 12: Language and style
- 13: Language change
- 14: Comparing languages
- 15: Attitudes towards change
- 16: Seeking a suitable framework
- 17: Trouble with transformations
- 18: Back to basics
- : Epilogue
- : Further reading
- : List of symbols and abbreviations
- : Phonetics: the study of speech sounds
- : Index
