Linguistics: An Introduction to Language and Communication - Hardcover

Akmajian, Adrian

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0262011859 ISBN 13: 9780262011853

Publisher: MIT Press, 2001

Synopsis

This popular introductory linguistics text is unique in the way various themes are integrated throughout the book. One primary theme is the question, "How is a speaker's communicative intent recognized?" Rather than treat phonology, phonetics, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics as completely separate fields, the text shows how they interact in principled ways. Similarly, language variation and acquisition are informed by results in these fields. The text provides a sound introduction to linguistic methodology while also revealing why people are intrinsically interested in language--the ultimate puzzle of the human mind. The fifth edition has been thoroughly revised. Revisions include, but are not limited to, the addition of "selected readings" sections, updated examples, new discussion on the creative nature of neologisms, and the use of IPA as the primary transcription system throughout. This edition also includes an account of the patterns of occurrence of reduced vowels in English. An understanding of these patterns enables the reader to write a phonemic transcription of any English word.

About this title

Review:

"This book provides a basic orientation to linguistic science, primarily through a descriptive linguistic approach. Its intended purpose is to serve as an introductory text to linguistics, and its clarity in writing style and tight organization are obvious strengths in serving this purpose."-- "Journal of the American Speech and Hearing Association"

Synopsis:

This introductory linguistics text looks at various themes. One primary theme is the question, "How is a speaker's communicative intent recognized?" Rather than treat phonology, phonetics, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics as completely separate fields, the text shows how they interact in principled ways. Similarly, language variation and acquisition are informed by results in these fields. The text provides a sound introduction to linguistic methodology while also revealing why people are intrinsically interested in language - the ultimate puzzle of the human mind. The fifth edition has been thoroughly revised. Revisions include, but are not limited to, the addition of "selected readings" sections, updated examples, new discussion on the creative nature of neologisms, and the use of IPA as the primary transcription system throughout. This edition also includes an account of the patterns of occurrence of reduced vowels in English. An understanding of these patterns enables the reader to write a phonemic transcription of any English word.

About this edition

• Publisher: MIT Press
• Publication date: 2001
• ISBN 10: 0262011859
• ISBN 13: 9780262011853
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 5
• Number of pages: 642