The Study of Language

Unrivalled in its popularity, The Study of Language is quite simply the best introduction to the field available today. It introduces the analysis of the key elements of language--sounds, words, structures and meanings, and provides a solid foundation in all of the essential topics, such as how conversation works, child language, and language variation. This third edition has been extensively revised to include fresh study questions, a comprehensive glossary, and new sections on important contemporary issues in language study, including language and culture, slang, gestures, and African American English.