Description
Book SynopsisExploring Linguistic Science introduces students to the basic principles of complexity theory and then applies these principles to the scientific study of language. It demonstrates how, at every level of linguistic study, we find evidence of language as a complex system. Designed for undergraduate courses in language and linguistics, this essential textbook brings cutting-edge concepts to bear on the traditional components of general introductions to the study of language, such as phonetics, morphology and grammar. The authors maintain a narrative thread throughout the book of ''interaction and emergence'', both of which are key terms from the study of complex systems, a new science currently useful in physics, genetics, evolutionary biology, and economics, but also a perfect fit for the humanities. The application of complexity to language highlights the fact that language is an ever-changing, ever-varied product of human behavior.
Trade Review'This lucid book - elegantly written and brimming with memorable examples of both language and complex systems across the sciences - will guide readers through the intellectual adventure of a new science, one that will transform, not only perspectives on language, but also their sense of themselves as linguistic agents.' Michael Adams, Indiana University, Bloomington
'… this introductory book is essential reading for undergraduate students who are new to the field of linguistics and those who wish to get a modern perspective on linguistics as a science. It will also prove valuable for language teachers who wish to demonstrate the relevance of linguistics to the real world.' Xueliang Chen, Language in Society
Table of Contents1. A new science; 2. Complex systems in nature and human behavior; 3. Complex systems in language; 4. Language basics: sounds; 5. Sounds: IPA and acoustic phonetics; 6. Sounds: atlas evidence; 7. Language basics: morphology; 8. Morphemes: empirical data; 9. Parts of speech; 10. Language basics: grammar and discourse; 11. Grammar: sentences and construction grammar; 12. Cognitive linguistics; 13. Language acquisition; 14. Language evolution; 15. Text type; 16. Style; 17. Sociolinguistics; 18. Big data: using a corpus; 19. Historical linguistics; 20. Conclusion: the future of interaction and emergence.
