Language for Everybody: What It Is and How to Master It

by Mario Pei

Mario Andrew Pei (1901-1978) was an Italian-American linguist and polyglot, who is best known for accessible books about languages for readers without a background in linguistics. Language for Everybody is "an introduction to the history, structure and usage of mankind's most important tool -- communication." Without language, 99% of human activity would cease. Language precedes, accompanies and follows practically all human endeavor. In this basic book on a basic subject, Dr. Mario Pei, one of the world's leading linguistic authorities, tells you what language is, how it began, what makes it grow and how you can make better use of it. LANGUAGE FOR EVERYBODY will give you a new comprehension of this vital force which will enable you to live better and work and play more effectively.

354 pages, Paperback

Published November 15, 2024

Reviews

[Chãndí · Rating 3 out of 5]

Being that this work is over 60 years old, there were a few minor language discrepancies, however, it was abided by a familiar zeitgeist manner that is reminiscent of the contemporary English. But, there is a distanced generational tone throughout the reading that could pose as a turn-off for general readers. The organization was well suited as a methodological flow for an easily convoluted, broad subject as language, not mention the pacing as well seemed quite thoughtful. Some subtopics were a bit redundant or overused, and as a reader seeing the information-filled text and statistics, I couldn't help but focus so much more on the relevant points (history, social, pragmatics) as opposed to efforts to elaborate on specific academia. What is most admirable is the level of informative rigor, detailed explanation of real-world matters (for its time period) and the subtle optimism of the general areas of language anyone may encounter. A good read if one is unsure about which attitude to have towards languages, and also which specific languages to be most mindful for.