Understanding Language: A Basic Course in Linguistics

Understanding Language is the second edition of this introduction to linguistics aimed at all students who are new to the subject. The book is comprehensive in its coverage of the key areas of linguistics, yet explains these in an easy to understand, jargon-free way. Pictures, diagrams, tables and suggestions for further reading together with Grace Winkler's witty prose make this an accessible, student friendly guide which should enable students to navigate this often complicated area of study. Topics covered include:

language acquisition
speech sounds
the make-up of words
grammar
meaning
communication
the history of English
language variation and change
language and technology.

This is an essential introduction for any student taking linguistics at university, whether as their main subject of study, or in conjunction with related fields.

Elizabeth Winkler is Associate Professor of Linguistics at Western Kentucky University, USA.