Designed for beginners, this best-selling textbook provides a lively
introduction to the study of language. Starting from the basics, it
provides a solid foundation in all of the essential topics, and
introduces the analysis of the key elements of language - sounds,
words, structures and meanings. A wide range of fascinating questions
are explored, such as how conversation works, how children learn
language, why women and men speak differently, and how language varies
between regions and social groups. This third edition has been
extensively revised to include new sections on important contemporary
issues in language study, including language and culture, African
American English, sign language, and slang. A comprehensive glossary
provides useful explanations of technical terms, and each chapter
contains a range of new study questions and research tasks, with
suggested answers. Unrivalled in its popularity, The Study of Language
is quite simply the best introduction to the field available today.•
Extensively revised and updated
• Fresh study questions and research tasks, a comprehensive glossary
providing clear explanations of technical terms, and a fully updated
bibliography
• Concise and clearly presented, perfect for readers approaching the
study of language for the first timeContents1.
The origins of language, 2. Animals and human language, 3. The
development of writing, 4. The sounds of language, 5. The sound
patterns of language, 6. Words and word-formation processes, 7.
Morphology, 8. Phrases and sentences: grammar, 9. Syntax, 10.
Semantics, 11. Pragmatics, 12. Discourse analysis, 13. Language and the
brain, 14. First language acquisition, 15. Second language
acquisition/learning, 16. Gestures and sign languages, 17. Language
history and change, 18. Language and regional variation, 19. Language
and social variation, 20. Language and culture.