Describing Language

David Graddol

ISBN 10: 0335193153 / ISBN 13: 9780335193158

Published by Open University Press, United Kingdom, Milton Keynes, 1994

A student introduction to descriptive linguistics, Describing Language is essentially practical in its orientation. It is useful for anyone who wishes to refer to technical literature involving linguistic description, who requires a basic conceptual framework and technical vocabulary with which to discuss language, and who needs to make elementary but principled descriptions and analyses of real data (such as classroom interaction or counselling sessions). Topics covered include phonetics, prosody, word structure, syntax, text and discourse structure, word and utterance meaning, and non-verbal behaviour. Includes an accessible introduction to both Chomsky's Universal Grammar and Halliday's Systemic Grammar. It is an invaluable textbook for students across the social sciences. The book has been read but remains in clean condition. All pages are intact and the cover is intact. Some minor wear to the spine. Seller Inventory # GOR001507933

Synopsis:

A student introduction to descriptive linguistics, Describing Language is essentially practical in its orientation. It is useful for anyone who wishes to refer to technical literature involving linguistic description, who requires a basic conceptual framework and technical vocabulary with which to discuss language, and who needs to make elementary but principled descriptions and analyses of real data (such as classroom interaction or counselling sessions). Topics covered include phonetics, prosody, word structure, syntax, text and discourse structure, word and utterance meaning, and non-verbal behaviour.
This is a significantly revised, updated and expanded version of the successful first edition. In particular, it uses a new approach to syntax and a broader review of grammar including an accessible introduction to both Chomsky's Universal Grammar and Halliday's Systematic Grammar. It is an invaluable textbook for students across the social sciences.

About the Author: David Graddol is a lecturer in the Centre for Language and Communications at the Open University.

Bibliographic Details

Title: Describing Language
Publisher: Open University Press, United Kingdom, Milton Keynes
Publication Date: 1994
Binding: Paperback
Condition: Good
Edition: 2nd Edition