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This bestselling textbook provides an engaging and user-friendly introduction to the study of language. Assuming no prior knowledge of the subject, Yule presents information in bite-sized sections, clearly explaining the major concepts in linguistics and all the key elements of language. This eighth edition has been revised and updated throughout, with major changes in the chapters on Origins, Phonetics, Syntax, Semantics, Pragmatics, Discourse Analysis, First and Second Language Acquisition and Culture. There are forty new study questions and over sixty new and updated additions to the Further Readings. To increase student engagement and to foster problem-solving and critical thinking skills, the book includes over twenty new tasks. The online resources have been expanded to include test banks, an instructor manual, and a substantial Study Guide. This is the most fundamental and easy-to-use introduction to the study of language.
List of contents
1. The Origins of Language; 2. Animals and Human Language; 3. The Sounds of Language; 4. The Sound Patterns of Language; 5. Word Formation; 6. Morphology; 7. Grammar; 8. Syntax; 9. Semantics; 10. Pragmatics; 11. Discourse Analysis; 12. Language and the Brain; 13. First Language Acquisition; 14. Second Language Acquisition; 15. Gestures and Sign Languages; 16. Written Language; 17. Language History and Change; 18. Regional Variation in Language; 19. Social Variation in Language; 20. Language and Culture.
About the author
George Yule has taught linguistics at the University of Edinburgh, the University of Hawai'i, the University of Minnesota and Louisiana State University.
Summary
This textbook is the most fundamental and easy-to-use introduction for beginner students. The eighth edition has substantial changes to the chapters on Origins, Phonetics, Syntax, Semantics, Pragmatics, Discourse Analysis, First and Second Language Acquisition, and Language and Culture, 40 new study questions and more than twenty new tasks.
Report
'The Study of Language is a very engaging, easy-to-read book that appeals to both native and non-native speakers of English. It is great for both self-study and classroom use. It covers quite a range of sub-fields of linguistics and each chapter offers a unique opportunity to put the linguistic knowledge into practice with well-crafted study questions, as well as tasks and discussion projects.' Emrah Görgülü, Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University
