The Study of Language - Softcover

Yule, George

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0521318777 ISBN 13: 9780521318778

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 1985

Synopsis

This textbook provides a straightforward and comprehensive survey of the basic issues and topics involved in the study of language. Its twenty chapters range over speculation about the origin of language, the relationship between language and animal communication, the principal concepts involved in linguistic analysis, the new fields of discourse analysis and computer understander systems, sign language, current views on how children acquire language and how adults learn new languages, how languages change over time and how language is affected by various social, cultural and regional factors. Written in a clear and lively style, with frequent examples from English and other languages, this textbook is designed to introduce the non-specialist reader to issues that fascinate and sometimes frustrate professional linguists. Students taking an introductory course on the nature of human language will find the carefully selected study questions, discussion topics and suggestions for further reading at the end of each chapter particularly useful. Both as a coursebook and as a book for the general reader, The Study of Language as an exciting way to explore how language works and the role it plays in human life.

About this title

Review

'Very clear and easy to read for beginners; user-friendly and non-threatening to those nervous of linguistics; chapters in absorbable bite-size chunks.' Jean Aitchison, Rupert Murdoch Professor of Language and Communication, University of Oxford

'Perfect for the beginners' level introductory linguistics course, both in style and content. The exercises and discussion are excellent. One of the highlights of the book is the clear links between chapters.' Hugh Buckingham, Professor of Linguistics, Louisiana State University

'An impressive breadth of coverage ... clear presentation, lucid style and accessibility ... a solid foundation for further study in linguistics as well as being a pleasure to read in its own right.' Alan Smith, Web Journal of Modern Languages and Linguistics

Book Description

This textbook provides a straightforward and comprehensive survey of the basic issues and topics involved in the study of language. Written in a clear and lively style, with frequent examples from English and other languages, this textbook is designed to introduce the non-specialist reader to issues that fascinate and sometimes frustrate linguists.

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 1985
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521318777
• ISBN 13: 9780521318778
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 228