Introduction to Language and Linguistics

A clear and up-to-date introduction to linguistics. This best-selling textbook addresses the full scope of language, from the traditional subjects of structural linguistics (relating to sound, form, meaning and language change) to the more specialised subjects of contextual linguistics (including discourse, dialect variation, language and culture, and the politics of language). There are also separate chapters on language and the brain, computational linguistics, writing, and first and second language learning. Extensively classroom-tested, this second edition has been revised to further support student learning, with numerous new examples, exercises and textboxes to model and contextualise key concepts. Updated throughout to incorporate contemporary issues and events, it includes worked examples of phonological analyses and multiple examples of a variety of World Englishes. A rich collection of online resources completes the learning package.

'This is a great textbook covering all the major topics in language structure and use. It offers a comprehensive survey of the field as well as intriguing insights into many current issues, from formal syntax, through language and the brain to computational linguistics.' Alexander Bergs, Universität Osnabrück, 'An invaluable introduction to the subject that covers a wide range of topics in linguistics in a detailed yet accessible fashion. The extensive exercises will be particularly useful for teaching at undergraduate level and for postgraduates wishing to explore unfamiliar areas of the subject.' Philip A. Shaw, University of Leicester

Ralph Fasold is Professor Emeritus and past Chair of the Department of Linguistics at Georgetown University. He is the author of four books and editor or co-editor of six others. Among them are the textbooks The Sociolinguistics of Society (1984) and The Sociolinguistics of Language (1990). Jeff Connor-Linton is an Associate Professor in the Department of Linguistics at Georgetown University, where he has been Head of the Applied Linguistics Program and Department Chair. He is a past President of the American Association for Applied Linguistics. He has supervised a multi-section introductory linguistics course and supervises the pedagogical training of graduate students in the linguistics department.