Language: The BasicsLanguage: The Basics provides a concise introduction to the study of language. Written in an engaging and entertaining style, it encourages the reader to think about the way language works. New features in the second edition include: a chapter on 'Language in Use' which introduces pragmatics, metaphor, speech and writing and discourse analysis a section on sign language a glossary of key terms an expanded further reading section. Language: the Basics provides an accessible overview of a fascinating subject. It is an essential book for all students and anyone who's ever been accused of splitting an infinitive. |
Contents
1The uniqueness of human language | 1 |
2The grammatical backbone | 21 |
3Language and meaning | 35 |
4Variation in language | 51 |
5Change in language | 66 |
6Language in use | 85 |
7Language mind and brain | 105 |
8Children and language | 119 |
9Attitudes to language | 132 |
Going further | 149 |
Glossary | 150 |
| 159 | |
| 166 | |
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Common terms and phrases
aitches already American animal appear Basque become beginning borrowed brain called centuries Chapter child classes colour connection Consider conversation course damage dialects discussed distinctions endings England English English-speakers example exist express fact figure Finally forms French further gender German grammar hand happened hemisphere hence human identical important it’s kind least less linguistic London look meaning never normal nouns once particular perhaps person plural possible present probably produce pronounce pronunciation question reading reason recently regional represents result rules sentence sign language simply single sounds speak speakers speech spoken standard talking tense things turn typical understand usually utterances variation variety verb vocal women words writing written