Languages of the World

This 3rd edition edition has been thoroughly revised to include more languages, more countries and up-to-date data on populations. Features include: information on nearly 600 languages; individual descriptions of 200 languages, with sample passages and English translations; concise notes on where each language is spoken, its history, alphabet and pronunciation; coverage of every country in the world, its main language and speaker numbers; English borrowings from other languages; and an introduction to language families.

'A reference tool for all linguists as well as a collector's item for those in allied fields, enabling even an amateur to identify foreign scripts with ease and satisfaction ... to be recommended.' - Modern Language Review'A wholly fascinating mini-kaleidoscope indicating the largely diverse variety of the world's main languages and their scripts and of their cultures.'- The Good Book Guide, Praise for the Second Edition:`The Languages of the World offers excellent aid not only to linguists, to whom its importance is obvious, but also to anyone interested in international affairs or curious about other inhabitants of the planet.' - Charles Berlitz`A reference tool for all linguists as well as a collector's item for those in allied fields, enabling even an amateur to identify foreign scripts with ease and satisfaction....to be recommended.' Modern Language Review'A wholly fascinating mini-kaleidoscope indicating the largely diverse variety of the world's main languages and their scripts and of their cultures.' The Good Book Guide

Prior to his recent retirement, Kenneth Katzner worked for the US government and also served as an editor on a number of international encyclopedias and English dictionaries. He is also author of a large English-Russian/Russian-English Dictionary.