Linguistics: An Introduction

by William B. McGregor

This is the new edition of Linguistics: An Introduction. It is a bestselling introductory textbook for all students of linguistics and language studies.

This reworked edition features:
-new chapters on sign languages, writing, and text and discourse
-coverage of writing in electronic media
-revised and updated chapters on languages of the world and psycholinguistics

Firmly based around taught courses and catering to student needs, it addresses all the topics that a student will need in their study of language. With key terms, further reading, questions at the end of each chapter, exercises and key paragraphs in stand-out boxes, this is a firmly pedagogic text that takes difficult concepts and explains them in an easy to understand wa. It features examples taken from a range of languages across the world. Global in its scope and comprehensive in its coverage, this is the textbook of choice for linguistics students.

The book comes with a large Companion Website, also extensively revised and expanded. For lecturers and instructors, a comprehensive Answer Book is also available to go along with the questions throughout the chapters.

Genres: Linguistics, Nonfiction, Language, Textbooks, Theory

496 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Ashraf · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've just finished reading Linguistics: An Introduction as part of my reading list before enrolling in an MA in Linguistics & Literature. It is quite comprehensive and written in a clear, simple language. You might feel a bit overwhelmed with all the technical terms included, but there's a glossary toward the end of the book that is useful for a quick review. All in all, recommended!

[Taylor Flowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely delightful and engaging read. This text is well-organized and does well to cover the breadth of the topic of linguistics. It is detailed enough to give you a decent amount of knowledge on the topic and whet your appetite for more, while not being too overwhelming if you're new to the subject matter. The chapters have supplementary information, summaries, and thought-provoking questions. From a design standpoint, the layout is simple and aesthetically pleasing. This is absolutely something I will reference in the future and recommend to others.

[Al Ashcott · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting introductory work to linguistics, that focuses on topics such as phonology, morphology, socio- and psycholinguistics and many other subjects.
The first few chapters from part I: SYSTEM AND STRUCTURE are a little difficult for someone who reads this book just for background information on linguistics. However, with the guidance of their professors university students can make the exercices at the end of those chapters.
Part II and III are easier and more interesting, as they are about language as a human phenomenon and its diversity.
I highly recommend this book!

Al

[Max · Rating 3 out of 5]

Läste inte klart

[geikew]

ATW kuleuven

[Victoria · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'd never recommend this to anyone, nor do I hope you have to read it for class.
So why 2 and not 1 star?

Because I can't call this anything but well written in the sense that you absolutely have no doubt that he knows what he's talking about. McGregor truly shows his prowess in this book, but there's not a hint of enjoyment or fascination with the subject anywhere to be found. The language is dry and dense, much more so than your average school textbook. I can't wait to be done with it.

[Rasmus Puggaard]

very well-made short introduction to the different fields of linguistics

[Summer]

Who can tell me is there a Chinese version of this book?

[Laurel Perez · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fairly accessible book on Linguistics, easy to read, to follow, though at times difficult to decipher. However, that is just the study itself in some ways.

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good and accessible overview of the field.