English is arguably the nearest thing we have to a world language, and yet it is a language with a wealth of varieties, dialects, and traditions, all developing in different ways and at different speeds. This book is a superbly written and illustrated exploration of the history, structure, and use of English throughout the world. World-renowned linguist and author, David Crystal, explores the many facets and varieties of the English language, bringing life to this large and complex subject. He begins with the origins of English in Anglo-Saxon times and follows the growth of the language to the present. Every major English-speaking country is included, and the book abounds with insights into how English evolved and how it works. The author pays particular attention to the use of language in literature and how it permeates humor. He allows language to "speak for itself" by using quotations, photographs, newspaper clippings, poems, advertisements, cartoons, and many other types of illustrative material that vividly complement his narrative. Author Crystal systematically covers the structural features of English, and includes a complete description of grammar, a summary of pronunciation and writing systems, and a thorough treatment of the size and complexity of vocabulary. He explains technical aspects in simple and accessible terms and includes a glossary to assist the reader with unclear language terminology. Highly visual with striking color illustrations, panels and boxed features throughout, this book is fascinating reading for the widest possible audience. David Crystal is the author of The Cambridge Encyclopedia of Language (CUP, 1987) and the editor of The Cambridge Encyclopedia (CUP, 1990, 1994).
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Superbly illustrated in colour throughout, this is the most comprehensive survey of the history, structure and worldwide use of English ever written. Clear and accessible, the book abounds with insights into how the language evolved and how it works. All aspects of English are systematically covered.
About the Author:David Crystal is one of the world's foremost authorities on language.
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Book Description Cambridge University Press. Condition: New. 0521401798 New Inside and Outside. Clean and crisp! No markings! You will be pleased. Excellent book! ( z1s118A ) Some minor shelf wear on cover. ** Fast Shipping! **. Seller Inventory # SKU1017289
Book Description Cambridge University Press, 1995. Hardcover. Condition: New. Seller Inventory # DADAX0521401798
Book Description Cambridge University Press, 1995. Condition: New. book. Seller Inventory # M0521401798
Book Description Cambridge University Press, 1995. Hardcover. Condition: New. Never used!. Seller Inventory # P110521401798
Book Description Cambridge University Press, Cambridge - New York, 1995. Hardcover. Condition: New. Dust Jacket Condition: New. 1st Edition. First edition 1995, first printing, matching copyright and printing dates, no additional printings listed. Hardcover with DJ. Condition new, square tight and clean book, no markings of any kind, no names no underlinings no highlights no bent page corners, not a reminder. DJ new, bright and shiny, no tears no chips, no edgewear, not clipped. 4to, 500 pages, bibliography, reference, index. Large book will require additional postage for international orders. Seller Inventory # 006412
Book Description Cambridge University Press, 1996. Condition: New. Reprinted. 489 pp. Large format. Colour illustrations & maps. Brown cloth. Title gt spine. Fine in fine dw. Unread. Thick. Heavy volume. Published @ £50.00. Seller Inventory # 13387
Book Description Cambridge University Press, 1995. Hardcover. Condition: New. Dust Jacket Condition: New. Cambridge University Press, 1996. Hardback. Cambridge University Press 1996, reprint of the 1995 first edition: hardcover in dust jacket: approximately 8.75 x 11 inches tall: 489 pages including index: illustrated in black and white and colour throughout. Synopsis: A systematic exploration of the history, structure, variety, and range of the English language worldwide. Comprehensive illustration included. Contents as follows: -- Modeling English. Part One: The History of English (The origins of English. Old English. Middle English. Early Modern English. Modern English. World English.) Part Two: English Vocabulary. (The nature of the Lexicon. The sources of the Lexicon. Etymology. The structure of the Lexicon. Lexical dimensions.) Part Three: English Grammar. (Grammatical mythology. The structure of words. Word classes. The structure of sentences.) Part Four: Spoken and Written English ( The sound system. The writing system.) Part Five: Using English. (Varieties of discourse. Regional variation. Social variation. Personal variation.) Part Six: Learning about English. (Learning English as a mother tongue. New ways of studying English.) Appendices: -- 1) Glossary. 2) Special symbols and abbreviations.3) References. 4) Further reading. 5) Index of linguistic items. 6) Index of authors and personalities. 7) Index of topics. Acknowledgments. Condition: Very clean and good overall. Please note: a heavy book -- shipping surcharge may apply. A clean, unmarked copy!. Seller Inventory # 000818