Understanding Language: A Basic Course in Linguistics

Understanding Language is an introduction to linguistics aimed at non-major undergraduate 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, jokes, diagrams, tables and suggestions for further reading 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.

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

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