Synopsis
In this fascinating survey of everything from how sounds become speech to how names work, David Crystal answers every question you might ever have had about the nuts and bolts of language in his usual highly illuminating way. Along the way we find out about eyebrow flashes, whistling languages, how parents teach their children to speak, how politeness travels across languages and how the way we talk show not just how old we are but where we're from and even who we want to be.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
About the Author
David Crystal is honorary professor of linguistics at the University of Wales, Bangor, and the editor of The Penguin Encyclopedia.
From Booklist
Longtime language writer and linguistics professor Crystal (The Stories of English, 2004) offers a well-organized, thoroughly comprehensive guide to language and communication in 73 short chapters. The passionate word enthusiast addresses every aspect of language, including how we learn to speak, read, and write; the physiology behind the formation of speech sounds; how we choose what to say; how gestures and tone of voice impact communication; how the brain handles language; and how language tells us where we are from. After beginning with spoken and written language, Crystal moves on to sign language, language structure, discourse, dialects, language families, and multilingualism. The book also includes diagrams of the human tongue, ear, and brain; a chart of Egyptian hieroglyphs over time; and illustrations of finger spelling. Although its size and subject matter may suggest otherwise, this volume is aimed at and written for general readers, and Crystal makes for an especially genial guide. Whether expressing his fair-minded assessment of the prescriptive-descriptive debate or knowledgably discussing the connection between dialects and social status, he proves to be both accessible and informative. Joanne Wilkinson
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Other Popular Editions of the Same Title
Search results for How Language Works: Why babies babble, spelling is...
Stock Image
How Language Works
Seller: WorldofBooks, Goring-By-Sea, WS, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardback. Condition: Very Good. The book has been read, but is in excellent condition. Pages are intact and not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged. Seller Inventory # GOR003098138
Buy Used
US$ 2.98
Shipping:
US$ 7.36
From United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Quantity: 2 available
Stock Image
How Language Works
Seller: AwesomeBooks, Wallingford, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Paperback. Condition: Very Good. How Language Works This book is in very good condition and will be shipped within 24 hours of ordering. The cover may have some limited signs of wear but the pages are clean, intact and the spine remains undamaged. This book has clearly been well maintained and looked after thus far. Money back guarantee if you are not satisfied. See all our books here, order more than 1 book and get discounted shipping. Seller Inventory # 7719-9780140515381
Buy Used
US$ 4.99
Shipping:
US$ 6.56
From United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Quantity: 2 available
Seller Image
How Language Works: Why babies babble, spelling is illogical and words
Seller: Zoom Books East, Glendale Heights, IL, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: very_good. Book is in very good condition and may include minimal underlining highlighting. The book can also include "From the library of" labels. May not contain miscellaneous items toys, dvds, etc. . We offer 100% money back guarantee and 24 7 customer service. Seller Inventory # ZEV.0140515380.VG
Seller Image
How Language Works
Seller: WeBuyBooks, Rossendale, LANCS, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Very Good. Most items will be dispatched the same or the next working day. A copy that has been read, but is in excellent condition. Pages are intact and not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged. Seller Inventory # rev5050023434
Buy Used
US$ 2.31
Shipping:
US$ 11.23
From United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Quantity: 1 available
Stock Image
How Language Works: How Babies Babble, Words Change Meaning and Languages Live or Die
Seller: Bahamut Media, Reading, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Paperback. Condition: Very Good. This book is in very good condition and will be shipped within 24 hours of ordering. The cover may have some limited signs of wear but the pages are clean, intact and the spine remains undamaged. This book has clearly been well maintained and looked after thus far. Money back guarantee if you are not satisfied. See all our books here, order more than 1 book and get discounted shipping. Seller Inventory # 6545-9780140515381
Buy Used
US$ 4.99
Shipping:
US$ 9.17
From United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Quantity: 2 available
Stock Image
How Language Works : How Babies Babble, Words Change Meaning and Languages Live or Die
Seller: Better World Books Ltd, Dunfermline, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Good. Ships from the UK. Former library book; may include library markings. Used book that is in clean, average condition without any missing pages. Seller Inventory # 6113165-6
Buy Used
US$ 5.99
Shipping:
US$ 10.51
From United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Quantity: 1 available
Stock Image
How Language Works : How Babies Babble, Words Change Meaning and Languages Live or Die
Seller: Better World Books Ltd, Dunfermline, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Very Good. Ships from the UK. Former library book; may include library markings. Used book that is in excellent condition. May show signs of wear or have minor defects. Seller Inventory # GRP10576081
Buy Used
US$ 5.99
Shipping:
US$ 10.51
From United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Quantity: 2 available
Stock Image
How Language Works
Seller: Anybook.com, Lincoln, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Good. This is an ex-library book and may have the usual library/used-book markings inside.This book has hardback covers. In good all round condition. Dust jacket in good condition. Please note the Image in this listing is a stock photo and may not match the covers of the actual item,1000grams, ISBN:9780140515381. Seller Inventory # 5812863
Buy Used
US$ 3.77
Shipping:
US$ 17.00
From United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Quantity: 1 available
Stock Image
How Language Works
Seller: Anybook.com, Lincoln, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Good. This is an ex-library book and may have the usual library/used-book markings inside.This book has hardback covers. Clean from markings. In good all round condition. Dust jacket in good condition. Please note the Image in this listing is a stock photo and may not match the covers of the actual item,1000grams, ISBN:9780140515381. Seller Inventory # 9832771
Buy Used
US$ 4.47
Shipping:
US$ 17.00
From United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Quantity: 1 available
Stock Image
How Language Works
Seller: Anybook.com, Lincoln, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Good. This is an ex-library book and may have the usual library/used-book markings inside.This book has hardback covers. Clean from markings. In good all round condition. Dust jacket in good condition. Please note the Image in this listing is a stock photo and may not match the covers of the actual item,1300grams, ISBN:9780140515381. Seller Inventory # 9935904
Buy Used
US$ 4.57
Shipping:
US$ 17.00
From United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Quantity: 1 available