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Aitchison's Linguistics: Teach Yourself

Jean Aitchison


Paperback
£10.99

ISBN: 9781444105964
Published: 30/07/2010
Extent: 272 pages
Illustrations: approx. 30 b/w line drawings and charts
Series: TY English Reference


 
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Summary:
Is this the right book for me?

This classic book is a straightforward introduction to linguistics which attempts to answer two fundamental questions: 'What is language?' and 'How does language work?' It outlines the scope of linguistics, explaining basic concepts and essential terminology with examples drawn mainly from English. Sound patterning, syntax and meaning - the inner core of linguistics - are discussed simply and clearly, as are the rapidly growing areas of pragmatics, sociolinguistics, psycholinguistics and stylistics. You will find this contemporary, easy-to-read book essential to broadening your understanding of the subtleties and power of language.

Learn effortlessly with easy-to-read page design and interactive features:

Not got much time?
One, five and ten-minute introductions to key principles to get you started.

Author insights
Lots of instant help with common problems and quick tips for success, based on the author's many years of experience.

Test yourself
Tests in the book and online to keep track of your progress.

Extend your knowledge
Extra online articles to give you a richer understanding of linguistics.

Five things to remember
Quick refreshers to help you remember the key facts.

Try this
Innovative exercises illustrate what you've learnt and how to use it.


  • Comprehensive - explains all basic concepts and terminology with examples.
  • Easy to use.
  • Authoritative - Jean Aitchison is a well-respected scholar and writer in the field.
  • Accessible - a straightforward introduction to the subject for anyone with no previous knowledge.


Table of Contents:
Preface
What is linguistics?
What is language?
The study of language
Deciding where to begin
Sound patterns
Words and pieces of words
Sentence patterns
Meaning
Using language
Language and society
Language and mind
Language and style
Language change
Comparing languages
Attitudes towards change
Seeking a suitable framework
Trouble with transformations
Back to basics
Epilogue
Further reading
List of symbols and abbreviations
Phonetics: the study of speech sounds
Index


About the Author(s):
Jean Aitchison is Rupert Murdoch Professor of Language and Communication at the University of Oxford. She gave the BBC Reith Lectures in 1996.


Readership:
Anyone working on their own wanting an introduction to the 'charmed circle' of linguistics


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