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.
• Extensively revised and updated • Fresh study questions and research tasks, a comprehensive glossary providing clear explanations of technical terms, and a fully updated bibliography • Concise and clearly presented, perfect for readers approaching the study of language for the first time