What Is This Thing Called Language?

David Nunan

ISBN 10: 0230291376 / ISBN 13: 9780230291379

Published by Bloomsbury Publishing PLC, GB, 2012

About this Item

Written by eminent linguist David Nunan, this concise text immerses readers in the complex, curious and continually evolving phenomenon that is at the centre of everything we do: language. It can be fascinating, puzzling and entertaining - and sometimes all of these at the same time. Featuring entertaining anecdotes and interesting examples throughout, this book introduces readers to the foundations of language, namely its sounds, words and grammar, before illustrating how language is used in different ways in a variety of contexts. Fully updated and revised for the second edition, it covers a wide range of topics, including language variation and culture, second language acquisition and bilingualism.Students, teachers and non-specialists alike will enjoy this engaging and 'un-put-down-able' introduction to language and linguistics. Assuming no prior knowledge of applied or theoretical linguistics, it will appeal to anyone with an interest in language. New to this Edition:- Illustrated with examples taken from a range of different languages- New content on language and culture, language variation, second language acquisition, bilingualism and the impact of globalization on language use.

Seller Inventory # LU-9780230291379

Bibliographic Details

• Title: What Is This Thing Called Language?
• Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC, GB
• Publication Date: 2012
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0230291376
• ISBN 13: 9780230291379
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition: 2nd Edition
• Condition: New
• Weight: 344 grams

About this title

Synopsis

Written by eminent linguist David Nunan, this concise text immerses readers in the complex, curious and continually evolving phenomenon that is at the centre of everything we do: language. It can be fascinating, puzzling and entertaining – and sometimes all of these at the same time. Featuring entertaining anecdotes and interesting examples throughout, this book introduces readers to the foundations of language, namely its sounds, words and grammar, before illustrating how language is used in different ways in a variety of contexts. Fully updated and revised for the second edition, it covers a wide range of topics, including language variation and culture, second language acquisition and bilingualism.



Students, teachers and non-specialists alike will enjoy this engaging and ‘un-put-down-able’ introduction to language and linguistics. Assuming no prior knowledge of applied or theoretical linguistics, it will appeal to anyone with an interest in language.



New to this Edition:

- Illustrated with examples taken from a range of different languages

- New content on language and culture, language variation, second language acquisition, bilingualism and the impact of globalization on language use

About the Author

DAVID NUNAN is Vice-President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Graduate School of Education, Anaheim University, USA, and Emeritus Professor of Applied Linguistics at the University of Hong Kong.