Linguistics for Everyone: An Introduction, 2nd Edition

by Kristin Denham

LINGUISTICS FOR AN INTRODUCTION, Second Edition, will capture the interest of all students, regardless of major, and offer them a thorough, engaging introduction to the science of language. To achieve this goal, the authors devised a unique arrangement of chapters that distinguishes this book from conventional introductory linguistics textbooks. Without sacrificing rigor, the authors focus on larger themes rather than on technical details or formal analysis. The book opens with a strong introductory chapter addressing basics such as how to define language, prescriptive versus descriptive grammar, differences between the human language system and other animal communication systems, and so on. The second chapter, devoted to language, mind, and brain, addresses both psycholinguistic and neurolinguistic evidence for humans' innate capacity for language. To address core linguistics areas in depth, there are two chapters each on phonetics and phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics. Throughout the text, special features relate the study of linguistics to the language we use in the real world and every chapter includes innovative and varied activities that review and practice the content and offer your students many opportunities to apply the knowledge in their own lives. Kindle textbooks are functionally equivalent to the print textbook. In some cases, individual items such as ancillary images or multimedia have been removed for digital delivery due to rights restrictions.

Genres: School, Linguistics

576 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 19, 2011

Reviews

[carlene ☼ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've never rated a textbook so highly, lol. I was absolutely dreading the intro to linguistics class that I took with this book, but this book really broke the subject down in a digestible and easily understandable fashion. Would highly recommend to anyone even just interested in the subject. I think this book is easy enough to understand even without a class to go along with it.

[Madeleine Bordenet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging and thoughtful. Each language that is referenced or used as an example is treated with the respect. While it is academic, it's also accessible and fun to read. Also, my introduction to linguistics professor has a feature!

[Jimmy Blakemore · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Linguistics for Everyone: An Introduction, 2nd Edition" by Kirsten Denham is an excellent resource for anyone looking to learn more about the field of linguistics. This comprehensive textbook covers a wide range of topics, from the basics of language structure and function to more advanced concepts like language variation and change.

One of the standout qualities of this book is the clarity and concision of Denham's writing style. She effectively simplifies complex concepts, making them easy to comprehend. The book is also well-structured, with chapters and sections that flow smoothly and build upon each other in a logical manner.

In addition to the main content of the book, "Linguistics for Everyone" also includes a wealth of helpful resources, such as exercises, review questions, and further reading suggestions. These are a great way to put what you've learned into practice and help you better understand the material.

Overall, I would highly recommend "Linguistics for Everyone" to anyone interested in learning more about the field of linguistics. Whether you're a student looking for a comprehensive introduction to the subject or an experienced professional looking to brush up on your skills, this book has something to offer. It is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to learn more about language and its place in the world.