Introducing Linguistics: Theoretical and Applied Approaches

by Joyce Bruhn de Garavito (editor), John W. Schwieter (Editor)

Everything we do involves language. Assuming no prior knowledge, this book offers students a contemporary introduction to the study of language. Each thought-provoking chapter is accessible to readers from a variety of fields, and is helpfully organized across six sound; structure and meaning; language typologies and change; language and social aspects; language acquisition; and language, cognition, and the brain. The book's companion website also offers three brief chapters on language and computers; animal communication; and dialectal varieties of English. The chapters feature illustrative tables, figures and maps, along with three types of pedagogical boxes (Linguistic Tidbits; Pause and Reflect; and Eyes on World Languages) that break up text, contextualize information, and provide colourful accents that give real data from languages across the globe. Key words are bolded and defined in a glossary at the end of the book, while end-of-chapter summaries and practice exercises reinforce the key points discussed.

Genres: Linguistics

669 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 21, 2021

About the author

Joyce Bruhn de Garavito is a Professor Emeritus of Hispanic Studies and Linguistics at Western University and an Adjunct Professor at the University of Ottawa. She is the recipient of the Western University Pleva award for excellence in teaching and the Graham and Gail Wright Distinguished Scholar award. Her research interests include theoretical linguistics (syntax, language acquisition, Romance languages); languages in contact (language change, bilingualism, Amerindian languages); and applied linguistics (language teaching, methodology).

Reviews

[Celina Del Vecchio · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my very first introduction to linguistics. Going into it I was scared and had MAJOR impostor syndrome, feeling like it was too far outside my comfort zone to be able to succeed…. I am happy to report, I could not have been more wrong.

This textbook broke down every single detail in easy-to-understand terminology, which was extremely useful as all of the content was new to me. I especially loved all the examples that were used in order to convey these complex (and oftentimes abstract) concepts. Homework was high key difficult but I like a challenge and it was a very rewarding feeling to succeed at something you find hard. Reflection questions were always expanding on previous readings, which was a practical way to more deeply understand concepts.

Overall, I kinda can’t wait to continue reading up on this and expanding my knowledge further. It’s such a warm and fuzzy feeling to enjoy what you do.