Understanding Language: A Basic Course in Linguistics

This is an accessible, student friendly guide to language and linguistics, requiring no prior knowledge of the field. "Understanding Language" is an introduction to linguistics aimed at all students who are new to the subject. The book is comprehensive in its coverage of the key areas of linguistics, yet explains these in an easy to understand, jargon-free way. Pictures, diagrams, tables and suggestions for further reading together with Grace Winkler's witty prose make this an accessible, student friendly guide which should enable students to navigate this often complicated area of study. Topics covered include: language acquisition; speech sounds; the make-up of words; grammar; meaning; communication; the history of English; language variation and change; and, language and technology. This is an essential introduction for any student taking linguistics at university, whether as their main subject of study, or in conjunction with related fields.