Routledge Guides to Linguistics – serie

The Study of Words introduces the study of word structure, also known as morphology, without assuming any prior knowledge of linguistics. Introducing concepts in an accessible way, Gebhardt illustrates how to understand and produce both existing and new words. This book:• Provides an overview of words, word components and the rules by which components can and cannot be assembled into words;• Introduces the area of morphology with a data-driven approach, exposing readers to sets of words in a variety of languages and prompting them to identify their components and seek patterns;• Features exercises and questions throughout to provoke thought and point readers to unresolved morphological issues.Aimed at students at undergraduate level with no background in linguistics, The Study of Words is essential reading for those studying morphology for the first time as part of linguistics, language and general education courses.

The Study of Words introduces the study of word structure, also known as morphology, without assuming any prior knowledge of linguistics. Introducing concepts in an accessible way, Gebhardt illustrates how to understand and produce both existing and new words. This book:• Provides an overview of words, word components and the rules by which components can and cannot be assembled into words;• Introduces the area of morphology with a data-driven approach, exposing readers to sets of words in a variety of languages and prompting them to identify their components and seek patterns;• Features exercises and questions throughout to provoke thought and point readers to unresolved morphological issues.Aimed at students at undergraduate level with no background in linguistics, The Study of Words is essential reading for those studying morphology for the first time as part of linguistics, language and general education courses.

Bilingualism provides a concise and lively introduction to bilingualism as a social and linguistic phenomenon and explains its impact on individuals and on society. Addressing questions such as what it means to be bilingual, how one becomes bilingual, and how exposure to more than one language affects a child’s cognitive development, this book features:an introduction to the linguistic, sociolinguistic, and cognitive outcomes of bilingualism, including bilingual language acquisition, the grammar of language-mixing, the link between language choice and identity, and the value of maintaining and promoting bilingualism;up-to-date overviews of the prominent concerns and facts about bilingualism;activities and discussion questions which invite readers to consider their own perspectives on bilingualism and how it manifests in their own lives and communities;links to relevant videos and suggested further reading, including topical novels, short stories, and essays.Aimed at students with no background in linguistics, this book is essential reading for anyone studying bilingualism for the first time.

Bilingualism provides a concise and lively introduction to bilingualism as a social and linguistic phenomenon and explains its impact on individuals and on society. Addressing questions such as what it means to be bilingual, how one becomes bilingual, and how exposure to more than one language affects a child’s cognitive development, this book features:an introduction to the linguistic, sociolinguistic, and cognitive outcomes of bilingualism, including bilingual language acquisition, the grammar of language-mixing, the link between language choice and identity, and the value of maintaining and promoting bilingualism;up-to-date overviews of the prominent concerns and facts about bilingualism;activities and discussion questions which invite readers to consider their own perspectives on bilingualism and how it manifests in their own lives and communities;links to relevant videos and suggested further reading, including topical novels, short stories, and essays.Aimed at students with no background in linguistics, this book is essential reading for anyone studying bilingualism for the first time.

Language, Gender, and Sexuality offers a panoramic and accessible introduction to the ways in which linguistic patterns are sensitive to social categories of gender and sexuality, as well as an overview of how speakers use language to create and display gender and sexuality. Revised to include the latest developments, this book covers discussions of trans/nonbinary/genderqueer identities, embodiment, new media, and the role of language and interaction in sexual harassment, assault, and rape.Drawing on an international range of examples to illustrate key points, this book addresses the questions of:• how language categorizes the gender/sexuality world in both grammar and interaction;• how speakers display, create, and orient to gender, sexuality, and desire in interaction;• how and why people display different ways of speaking based on their gender/sexual identities.The second edition has been fully updated and now includes new sections on political discourse and social media, more discussion questions, and new extensive online resources with student activities and instructor materials. Aimed at students with no background in linguistics or gender studies, this book is essential reading for anyone studying language, gender, and sexuality for the first time.

Language, Gender, and Sexuality offers a panoramic and accessible introduction to the ways in which linguistic patterns are sensitive to social categories of gender and sexuality, as well as an overview of how speakers use language to create and display gender and sexuality. Revised to include the latest developments, this book covers discussions of trans/nonbinary/genderqueer identities, embodiment, new media, and the role of language and interaction in sexual harassment, assault, and rape.Drawing on an international range of examples to illustrate key points, this book addresses the questions of:• how language categorizes the gender/sexuality world in both grammar and interaction;• how speakers display, create, and orient to gender, sexuality, and desire in interaction;• how and why people display different ways of speaking based on their gender/sexual identities.The second edition has been fully updated and now includes new sections on political discourse and social media, more discussion questions, and new extensive online resources with student activities and instructor materials. Aimed at students with no background in linguistics or gender studies, this book is essential reading for anyone studying language, gender, and sexuality for the first time.

Sign Languages: Structures and Contexts provides a succinct summary of major findings in the linguistic study of natural sign languages. Focusing on American Sign Language (ASL), this book offers a comprehensive introduction to the basic grammatical components of phonology, morphology, and syntax with examples and illustrations.Revised throughout, this new edition:demonstrates how sign languages are acquired by Deaf children with varying degrees of input during early development, including no input where children create a language of their owndiscusses the contexts of sign languages, including how different varieties are formed and used, attitudes toward sign languages, and how language planning affects language useincludes a new chapter on the similarities between signed and spoken languagesoffers additional visuals and explanations as well as more coverage of signed languages other than ASLis accompanied by updated online support material, which hosts links to video clipsThis engaging and accessible introduction to sign languages is essential reading for students studying this topic for the first time with little or no background in linguistics.

Sign Languages: Structures and Contexts provides a succinct summary of major findings in the linguistic study of natural sign languages. Focusing on American Sign Language (ASL), this book offers a comprehensive introduction to the basic grammatical components of phonology, morphology, and syntax with examples and illustrations.Revised throughout, this new edition:demonstrates how sign languages are acquired by Deaf children with varying degrees of input during early development, including no input where children create a language of their owndiscusses the contexts of sign languages, including how different varieties are formed and used, attitudes toward sign languages, and how language planning affects language useincludes a new chapter on the similarities between signed and spoken languagesoffers additional visuals and explanations as well as more coverage of signed languages other than ASLis accompanied by updated online support material, which hosts links to video clipsThis engaging and accessible introduction to sign languages is essential reading for students studying this topic for the first time with little or no background in linguistics.

Language in Society introduces the study of the relationship between language and society, also known as sociolinguistics, without assuming any prior knowledge of linguistics. Introducing the key concepts in an accessible way, Lee illustrates how language develops constantly as a response to society and must be understood in the context of societal norms, processes, and events. The book: Provides a short history of the field and explores the types of questions that can be asked in sociolinguistics as well as its methods Introduces essential concepts such as sociolinguistic variation, multilingualism, and contact languages Discusses contemporary topics including issues of language endangerment, language and justice, as well as language and computing Includes examples and case studies from the Asia Pacific and focuses on highlighting research from the Southern hemisphere Provides discussions of the future trajectory of the field and some reflection points on practical applications for each chapter Language in Society is key reading for students studying this topic for the first time with little or no background in linguistics.

Language in Society introduces the study of the relationship between language and society, also known as sociolinguistics, without assuming any prior knowledge of linguistics. Introducing the key concepts in an accessible way, Lee illustrates how language develops constantly as a response to society and must be understood in the context of societal norms, processes, and events. The book: Provides a short history of the field and explores the types of questions that can be asked in sociolinguistics as well as its methods Introduces essential concepts such as sociolinguistic variation, multilingualism, and contact languages Discusses contemporary topics including issues of language endangerment, language and justice, as well as language and computing Includes examples and case studies from the Asia Pacific and focuses on highlighting research from the Southern hemisphere Provides discussions of the future trajectory of the field and some reflection points on practical applications for each chapter Language in Society is key reading for students studying this topic for the first time with little or no background in linguistics.

Language in African American Communities is essential reading for anyone with an interest in the language, culture, and sociohistorical contexts of African American communities. It will also benefit those with a general interest in language and culture, language and language users, and language and identity. This book includes discussions of traditional and non-traditional topics regarding linguistic explorations of African American communities that include difficult conversations around race and racism. Language in African American Communities provides:• an introduction to the sociolinguistic and paralinguistic aspects of language use in African American communities; sociocultural and historical contexts and development; notions about grammar and discourse; the significance of naming and the pall of race and racism in discussions and research of language variation and change;• activities and discussion questions which invite readers to consider their own perspectives on language use in African American communities and how it manifests in their own lives and communities; and• links to relevant videos, stories, music, and digital media that represent language use in African American communities.Written in an approachable, conversational style that uses the author’s native African American (Women’s) Language, this book is aimed at college students and others with little or no prior knowledge of linguistics.

Language in African American Communities is essential reading for anyone with an interest in the language, culture, and sociohistorical contexts of African American communities. It will also benefit those with a general interest in language and culture, language and language users, and language and identity. This book includes discussions of traditional and non-traditional topics regarding linguistic explorations of African American communities that include difficult conversations around race and racism. Language in African American Communities provides:• an introduction to the sociolinguistic and paralinguistic aspects of language use in African American communities; sociocultural and historical contexts and development; notions about grammar and discourse; the significance of naming and the pall of race and racism in discussions and research of language variation and change;• activities and discussion questions which invite readers to consider their own perspectives on language use in African American communities and how it manifests in their own lives and communities; and• links to relevant videos, stories, music, and digital media that represent language use in African American communities.Written in an approachable, conversational style that uses the author’s native African American (Women’s) Language, this book is aimed at college students and others with little or no prior knowledge of linguistics.

Language and Meaning provides a clear, accessible and unique perspective on the philosophical and linguistic question of what it means to mean. Looking at relationships such as those between literal and non-literal meanings, linguistic form and meaning, and language and thought, this volume tackles the issues involved in what we mean and how we convey it. Divided into five easy-to-read chapters, it features: Broad coverage of semantic, pragmatic and philosophical approaches, providing the reader with a balanced and comprehensive overview of the topic; Frequent examples to demonstrate how meaning is perceived and manipulated in everyday discourse, including the importance of context, scientific studies of human language, and theories of pragmatics; Topics of debate and key points of current theories, including references to ongoing controversies in the field; Annotated further reading, allowing students to explore topics in more detail.Aimed at undergraduate students with little or no prior knowledge of linguistics, this book is essential reading for those studying this topic for the first time.

Language and Meaning provides a clear, accessible and unique perspective on the philosophical and linguistic question of what it means to mean. Looking at relationships such as those between literal and non-literal meanings, linguistic form and meaning, and language and thought, this volume tackles the issues involved in what we mean and how we convey it. Divided into five easy-to-read chapters, it features: Broad coverage of semantic, pragmatic and philosophical approaches, providing the reader with a balanced and comprehensive overview of the topic; Frequent examples to demonstrate how meaning is perceived and manipulated in everyday discourse, including the importance of context, scientific studies of human language, and theories of pragmatics; Topics of debate and key points of current theories, including references to ongoing controversies in the field; Annotated further reading, allowing students to explore topics in more detail.Aimed at undergraduate students with little or no prior knowledge of linguistics, this book is essential reading for those studying this topic for the first time.

Is English changing? To what degree is it changing? Is this change good or bad? In answering these questions, Is English Changing? provides a lively and concise introduction to language change, refuting commonly held misconceptions about language evolution as we understand it. Showing that English, like all living languages, has historically changed and continues to change, this book: analyzes developments in the lexicon, the way words are spoken or written, and the way in which speakers and writers use words; offers a basic overview of the major subfields of linguistics, including phonetics, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics, and sociolinguistics, all viewed through the prism of language change; discusses change over time with examples from Old English, Middle English, and Modern English; reinforces important concepts with examples from other languages, including Spanish, Japanese, and Czech; clearly defines key terms and includes advice on rules, usage, and style, as well as ample annotated further reading and activities throughout.Aimed at undergraduate students with little or no prior knowledge of linguistics, this book is essential reading for those studying this topic for the first time.

Is English changing? To what degree is it changing? Is this change good or bad? In answering these questions, Is English Changing? provides a lively and concise introduction to language change, refuting commonly held misconceptions about language evolution as we understand it. Showing that English, like all living languages, has historically changed and continues to change, this book: analyzes developments in the lexicon, the way words are spoken or written, and the way in which speakers and writers use words; offers a basic overview of the major subfields of linguistics, including phonetics, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics, and sociolinguistics, all viewed through the prism of language change; discusses change over time with examples from Old English, Middle English, and Modern English; reinforces important concepts with examples from other languages, including Spanish, Japanese, and Czech; clearly defines key terms and includes advice on rules, usage, and style, as well as ample annotated further reading and activities throughout.Aimed at undergraduate students with little or no prior knowledge of linguistics, this book is essential reading for those studying this topic for the first time.

Linguistics and Law offers a clear and concise introduction to making sense of the law through linguistics. Drawing on lexical semantics, syntax, and pragmatics to interpret both written and spoken laws, this book: addresses how to interpret legal documents such as contracts, statutes, constitutional provisions and trademarks; provides thorough analyses of "language crimes" including solicitation, perjury, defamation, and conspiracy, as well as talk between police and criminal suspects;analyzes the Miranda warning in depth; tackles the question of whether there is a "language" of the law; draws on real-life case studies to aid understanding.Written in an approachable, conversational style and aimed at undergraduate students with little or no prior knowledge of linguistics or law, this book is essential reading for those approaching this topic for the first time.

Linguistics and Law offers a clear and concise introduction to making sense of the law through linguistics. Drawing on lexical semantics, syntax, and pragmatics to interpret both written and spoken laws, this book: addresses how to interpret legal documents such as contracts, statutes, constitutional provisions and trademarks; provides thorough analyses of "language crimes" including solicitation, perjury, defamation, and conspiracy, as well as talk between police and criminal suspects;analyzes the Miranda warning in depth; tackles the question of whether there is a "language" of the law; draws on real-life case studies to aid understanding.Written in an approachable, conversational style and aimed at undergraduate students with little or no prior knowledge of linguistics or law, this book is essential reading for those approaching this topic for the first time.

Language in Children provides a concise and basic introduction for students studying child language acquisition for the first time. Starting from the first sounds a child produces, this book covers all the stages a child goes through in acquiring a language. This title: Illustrates developmental stages from the recognition of sounds and words to the ability to hold a conversation, also covering bilingual upbringing and language disorders; Features real-life examples of all the phenomena discussed, from languages such as French, Spanish and Portuguese as well as English; Incorporates guidance on sources for further reading and exploration by chapter; Is supported by a companion website that includes exercises with links to real-world data in the CHILDES archive.Written by an experienced author and teacher, Language in Children is essential reading for students studying this topic.

Language in Children provides a concise and basic introduction for students studying child language acquisition for the first time. Starting from the first sounds a child produces, this book covers all the stages a child goes through in acquiring a language. This title: Illustrates developmental stages from the recognition of sounds and words to the ability to hold a conversation, also covering bilingual upbringing and language disorders; Features real-life examples of all the phenomena discussed, from languages such as French, Spanish and Portuguese as well as English; Incorporates guidance on sources for further reading and exploration by chapter; Is supported by a companion website that includes exercises with links to real-world data in the CHILDES archive.Written by an experienced author and teacher, Language in Children is essential reading for students studying this topic.

Why Study Linguistics is designed to help anyone with an interest in studying language understand what linguistics is, and what linguists do. Exploring how the scientific study of language differs from other ways of investigating this uniquely human behavior, Why Study Linguistics: explores the various topics that students of linguistics study, including sound systems of language, the structure of words and sentences and their meanings, and the wider social context of language change and language variation; explains what you might do with a degree in linguistics and the kinds of jobs and careers that studying linguistics prepares you for; is supported by a list of links to additional resources available online. This book is the first of its kind and will be essential reading for anyone considering a course of study in this fascinating subject, as well as teachers, advisors, student mentors, and anyone who wants to know more about the scientific study of language.

Why Study Linguistics is designed to help anyone with an interest in studying language understand what linguistics is, and what linguists do. Exploring how the scientific study of language differs from other ways of investigating this uniquely human behavior, Why Study Linguistics: explores the various topics that students of linguistics study, including sound systems of language, the structure of words and sentences and their meanings, and the wider social context of language change and language variation; explains what you might do with a degree in linguistics and the kinds of jobs and careers that studying linguistics prepares you for; is supported by a list of links to additional resources available online. This book is the first of its kind and will be essential reading for anyone considering a course of study in this fascinating subject, as well as teachers, advisors, student mentors, and anyone who wants to know more about the scientific study of language.

Sign Languages: Structures and Contexts provides a succinct summary of major findings in the linguistic study of natural sign languages. Focusing on American Sign Language (ASL), this book: offers a comprehensive introduction to the basic grammatical components of phonology, morphology, and syntax with examples and illustrations; demonstrates how sign languages are acquired by Deaf children with varying degrees of input during early development, including no input where children create a language of their own; discusses the contexts of sign languages, including how different varieties are formed and used, attitudes towards sign languages, and how language planning affects language use; is accompanied by e-resources, which host links to video clips.Offering an engaging and accessible introduction to sign languages, this book is essential reading for students studying this topic for the first time with little or no background in linguistics.