Psychology of Language

by David W. Carroll

In David Carroll's text, a topic that can sometimes seem bewildering to students is presented in a clear, interesting, and engaging style. Using a cognitive approach, Carroll brings the current developments and controversies in psycholinguistics to students in an engaging style and sets them in historical context. Each chapter is enhanced with unique pedagogy that was designed to stimulate critical thinking, assess comprehension and provide opportunities for application. This fifth edition of Psychology of Language fills the need for an up-to-date and clearly written treatment of the field in a manner that resonates with today's students.

Genres: Linguistics, Psychology, Nonfiction, Textbooks, Language, School, Social Science

512 pages, Hardcover

First published March 29, 1985

Reviews

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the 4th edition of this book. The book is probably too technical and moves too fast for the general public, but for college students it is an excellent introduction to Psycholinguistics or the Psychology of Language. Carroll explores and explains several facets of the field and related fields, starting from well-accepted common ground and getting quickly into disputed territory. This book covers all the major areas of the field and provides clear and balanced accounts of the history of the field and contemporary controversies. While this isn't my specialty, I haven't come across anything that this book didn't touch on and prepare me for, so it was very helpful as an introduction.

Even if you don't study the Psychology of Language, this book is helpful for its relation to learning, cognition, and linguistics. Even considering it's density and difficulty, I would strongly recommend it before any other "pop" science books I have found on the topic. Carroll is far more neutral and is not "selling" any perspective or ideas, nor does he demonize any theories. Contrast with Pinker or Reductionist Behaviorists (as in Understanding Behaviorism).

[Brat Kulinov]

Read almost half of it for a psycholinguistics course in university (the 2nd half of it wasn't relevant to the material). Very good book. I'm not that into psycholinguistics (and definitely not into linguistics), but the book mostly kept my attention as it's all very easy to understand and it gives a lot of examples, which helps a lot. Would definitely recommend. The one I read was the fifth edition.

[Tina · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've got the 2004 edition.
I guess it was quite ok to read. Even for someone who's native language isn't english.

[Zainab]

lovely

[Hannah]

A good break down of complex topics. Interesting to read as a part of my studies.