The Study of Language (Cambridge University Press) designed for beginners, provides a lively introduction to the study of language. Starting from the basics, it provides a solid foundation in all of the essential topics, and introduces the analysis of the key elements of language - sounds, words, structures and meanings. A wide range of fascinating questions are explored, such as how conversation works, how children learn language, why women and men speak differently, and how language varies between regions and social groups. This third edition has been extensively revised to include new sections on important contemporary issues in language study, including language and culture, African American English, sign language, and slang.

Special Feature:
• A comprehensive glossary provides useful explanations of technical terms
• And each chapter contains a range of new study questions and research tasks
• The Study of Language is quite simply the best introduction to the field available today.
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THE STUDY OF LANGUAGE is easy to follow, simple to understand-the most fundamental introduction to language study. The book is written for the beginner, it is a broad yet concise overview of key topics. This ever-popular, easy-to-use introduction engages learners by presentation information in bite-sized sections, and partners them through tasks, and an online study guide. Learners emerge with a clear understanding of the major concepts in language study. Key features: • Twenty new sections include coverage of text messaging and new accounts of language origins • More than 50 new tasks, including 30 that involve data analysis to encourage active learning • The study guide partners learners through their learning with answers to the study questions and online help with the tasks • A comprehensive glossary explains technical terms