Introducing Linguistics

Introducing Linguistics brings together the work of scholars working at the cutting-edge of the field of linguistics, creating an accessible and wide-ranging introductory level textbook for newcomers to this area of study. The textbook:

? Provides broad coverage of the field, comprising five key areas: language structures, mind and society, applications, methods, and issues;

? Presents the latest research in an accessible way;

? Incorporates examples from a wide variety of languages ? from isiZulu to Washo ? throughout;

? Treats sign language in numerous chapters as yet another language, rather than a ?special case? confined to its own chapter;

? Includes recommended readings and resource materials, and is supplemented by a companion website.

This textbook goes beyond description and theory, giving weight to application and methodology. It is authored by a team of leading scholars from the world-renowned Lancaster University department, who have drawn on both their research and extensive classroom experience. Aimed at undergraduate students of linguistics, Introducing Linguistics is the ideal textbook to introduce students to the field of linguistics.

'This textbook reflects well the diversity of experience of a first-year undergraduate in linguistics. Each chapter has a different author and reflects a different teaching style: some start with a definition, but one takes us through the illness of a hypothetical patient called 'Charlie', and two offer a Q&A conversation with a hypothetical eager student. The chapters cover all the standard topics likely to be on a first-year syllabus, including significant coverage of research methods and possible real-world applications. The subject matter is well rooted in relevant research, and a linked website is promised.'

Richard Hudson, Emeritus Professor of Linguistics, UCL

'Introducing Linguistics is an impressively comprehensive guide to how language works. It uses exciting examples from across the full range of human languages around the world, spoken as well as signed, and combines these with crystal-clear, readable explanations. The volume is meticulous in covering state-of-the-art ideas from all domains of the field ? structure, cognition, social use, applications, methodology, and theoretical debates. This exceptionally wide coverage allows students to discover the full breadth and unique capacities of human language.'

Devyani Sharma, Professor of Sociolinguistics, Queen Mary University of London