An Introduction to the Nature and Functions of Language: Second Edition

"This fully revised edition of An Introduction to the Nature and Functions of Language is a highly accessible and authoritative introduction to the analysis of language. While assuming no specialist knowledge, the book systematically sets out the key issues in English language linguistics to offer students a comprehensive guide to the field. Within its chapters the reader will find clear and well-written accounts of the ways language is studied, how it is acquired and learnt, and it changes over time and varies between different social groups, and how it is used in a range of contexts. There are review exercises, case studies, copious examples and a useful glossary, all of which make the book extremely useful to anyone beginning the study of language." 'Jackson and Stockwell's An Introduction to the Nature and Functions of Language is a thorough, comprehensive, and accessibly written introduction to English language and linguistics. A particular strength of the book is the wide range of linguistic issues it discusses and the examples that are provided to illustrate them. The activities, projects and glossary make this book particularly useable.' It's difficult to imagine a more helpful introductory book in the field of language study. The topics have been well chosen and each one is broken down using graspable examples and clutter-free descriptions. Some of the analysis is deceptively detailed, but the terminology never gets in the way of the explanation. For a clear, engaging and straightforward introduction to how people study language, look no further.