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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 were from and even who we want to be
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From the Inside Flap
A parrot uncomprehendingly rattles off a string of words learned by rote. And we marvel! Yet we seem to take our own astonishing linguistic powers for granted—the ability to speak, listen, and understand, to read and write. We all understand why language works—we have to communicate to survive—and now David Crystal, the world authority on language, shows us how.How are languages born? How does conversation work? How do we learn how to read? How do gestures and tone of voice impact communication? And what happens when a language goes wrong? How Language Works answers questions about the innumerable facets of language, from how we absorb all those grammatical rules to how we decide if a word is rude or polite. Whether looking at the whistle languages of the Canary Islands, or describing the layout of the human throat; whether assessing the importance of eyebrow flashes in conversation, or showing how the way we speak betrays who we want to be—How Language Works is a book that will enrich the lives of everyone who reads it. Illuminating and intriguing, this landmark book is the ultimate guide to the mysteries of the language we all use every day.
About the Author
David Crystal is Honorary Professor of Linguistics at the University of Wales, Bangor. He has published over ninety books, most recently The Stories of English, and is the editor of The Penguin Encyclopaedia. In 1995, he was awarded the OBE for services to the English language. He lives in Holyhead, Anglesey.
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- PublisherPenguin Books Ltd
- Publication date2008
- ISBN 10 0141037369
- ISBN 13 9780141037363
- BindingPaperback
- LanguageEnglish
- Rating
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How Language Works
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How Language Works
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How Language Works (Paperback)
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Paperback. Condition: new. Paperback. David Crystal's How Language Works is a fascinating tour through the world of language from one of today's most renowned experts. It ranges over everything from how children learn to read to what makes words rude or polite, from eyebrow flashes to whistling languages. Unlocking the secrets of communication in an accessible, entertaining way, this exhilarating book sheds light on the endless mysteries of the language we speak, write and read every day. Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability. Seller Inventory # 9780141037363
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How Language Works
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Softcover. Condition: Very Good. Dust Jacket Condition: No Dust Jacket. Later Edition. Size: Octavo (standard book size). 512 pages. Text body is clean, and free from previous owner annotation, underlining and highlighting. Binding is tight, covers and spine fully intact. All edges clean, neat and free of foxing. Quantity Available: 1. Shipped Weight: Under 1 kilogram. Category: Language & Linguistics; Books for Writers. ISBN: 0141037369. ISBN/EAN: 9780141037363. All our pictures shown here are of the actual item, not stock photos. Inventory No: RB13365: 69 For further info on this title, click on the "Contact Seller" button within this listing. We will try to reply within 24 hours. Otherwise you can order right now (inclusive of shipping options) from the "Add to Basket" button to the right. Seller Inventory # RB13365
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How Language Works
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How Language Works
Published by
Penquin Books, Camberwell, 2008
ISBN 10: 0141037369
ISBN 13: 9780141037363
Used
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Seller: Marlowes Books and Music, Ferny Grove, QLD, Australia
Seller rating 4 out of 5 stars
Paperback. Condition: As New. Reprint. 500 pages. Book appears to have hardly been read and is in As new condition throughout. This Ranges Over Everything From How Children Learn To Read To What Makes Words Rude Or Polite. Seller Inventory # 208899
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How Language Works (Paperback)
Published by
Penguin Books Ltd, London, 2008
ISBN 10: 0141037369
ISBN 13: 9780141037363
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Seller: AussieBookSeller, Truganina, VIC, Australia
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Paperback. Condition: new. Paperback. David Crystal's How Language Works is a fascinating tour through the world of language from one of today's most renowned experts. It ranges over everything from how children learn to read to what makes words rude or polite, from eyebrow flashes to whistling languages. Unlocking the secrets of communication in an accessible, entertaining way, this exhilarating book sheds light on the endless mysteries of the language we speak, write and read every day. Shipping may be from our Sydney, NSW warehouse or from our UK or US warehouse, depending on stock availability. Seller Inventory # 9780141037363
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How Language Works (Paperback)
Published by
Penguin Books Ltd, London, 2008
ISBN 10: 0141037369
ISBN 13: 9780141037363
New
Paperback
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Paperback. Condition: new. Paperback. David Crystal's How Language Works is a fascinating tour through the world of language from one of today's most renowned experts. It ranges over everything from how children learn to read to what makes words rude or polite, from eyebrow flashes to whistling languages. Unlocking the secrets of communication in an accessible, entertaining way, this exhilarating book sheds light on the endless mysteries of the language we speak, write and read every day. Shipping may be from our UK warehouse or from our Australian or US warehouses, depending on stock availability. Seller Inventory # 9780141037363
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