Linguistics: A Very Short Introduction

by P. H. Matthews

Overview

Linguistics falls in the gap between arts and science, on the edges of which the most fascinating discoveries and the most important problems are found. Beginning at the 'arts' end of the subject with the common origins of languages, and finishing at the 'science' end with the newest discoveries regarding language in the brain, this stimulating guide covers all the major aspects of linguistics from a refreshing and insightful angle.

About the Series: Combining authority with wit, accessibility, and style, Very Short Introductions offer an introduction to some of life's most interesting topics. Written by experts for the newcomer, they demonstrate the finest contemporary thinking about the central problems and issues in hundreds of key topics, from philosophy to Freud, quantum theory to Islam.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780192801487
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	06/26/2003
Series:	Very Short Introductions
Pages:	144
Sales rank:	381,724
Product dimensions:	6.70(w) x 4.30(h) x 0.40(d)
Lexile:	1060L (what's this?)

About the Author

P.H. Matthews is Professor of Linguistics at Cambridge University.

Table of Contents

1. The Study of Language2. 'Homo loquens'3. Language in Time and Space4. Language Families5. In Praise of Diversity6. What is a Language? 7. How Much is Systematic? 8. Sounds9. Language and the BrainFurther ReadingIndex