Linguistics: An Introduction to Language and Communication

Akmajian, Adrian, Demers, Richard A., Farmer, Ann K., Harnish, Robert M.

ISBN 10: 0262511231 / ISBN 13: 9780262511230

Published by The MIT Press, 2001

About this Item

Item in good condition. Textbooks may not include supplemental items i.e. CDs, access codes etc.

Seller Inventory # 00087781832

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Linguistics: An Introduction to Language and Communication
• Publisher: The MIT Press
• Publication Date: 2001
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0262511231
• ISBN 13: 9780262511230
• Binding: Soft cover
• Edition: 5th or later Edition
• Condition: Good

About this title

Synopsis

This popular introductory linguistics text is unique in the way various themes are integrated throughout the book. One primary theme is the question, "How is a speaker's communicative intent recognized?" Rather than treat phonology, phonetics, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics as completely separate fields, the text shows how they interact in principled ways. Similarly, language variation and acquisition are informed by results in these fields. The text provides a sound introduction to linguistic methodology while also revealing why people are intrinsically interested in language -- the ultimate puzzle of the human mind.

The fifth edition has been thoroughly revised. Revisions include, but are not limited to, the addition of "selected readings" sections, updated examples, new discussion on the creative nature of neologisms, and the use of IPA as the primary transcription system throughout. This edition also includes an account of the patterns of occurrence of reduced vowels in English. An understanding of these patterns enables the reader to write a phonemic transcription of any English word.

About the Author

The late Adrian Akmajian was Professor of Linguistics at the University of Arizona.