A little book of language / David Crystal.
"With a language disappearing every two weeks and neologisms springing up almost daily, understanding the origins and currency of language has never seemed more relevant. In this charming volume, expert linguist David Crystal proves why the story of language deserves retelling. From an infant&#...
Saved in:
| Main Author: | |
|---|---|
| Format: | Ebook |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
New Haven :
Yale University Press,
[2010]
|
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | Click here to view this book |
| Summary: | "With a language disappearing every two weeks and neologisms springing up almost daily, understanding the origins and currency of language has never seemed more relevant. In this charming volume, expert linguist David Crystal proves why the story of language deserves retelling. From an infant's first words to the peculiar dialect of text messaging, A Little Book of Language ranges widely, revealing language's myriad intricacies and quirks. Crystal delves into the development of unique linguistic styles, the origins of obscure accents and the search for the first written word. He discusses the plight of endangered languages, as well as successful cases of linguistic revitalisation. Much more than a history, this book also turns to the future of language, exploring the effect of technology on our day-to-day reading, writing and speech. Through enlightening diagrams and quizzes, as well as Crystal's avuncular and entertaining style, A Little Book of Language reveals the story of lanugage to be a captivating tale for all ages"--Inside front flap. |
|---|---|
| Item Description: | Includes index. |
| Physical Description: | 1 online resource (vii, 260 pages : illustrations, map) |
| ISBN: | 1742231985 9781742231983 |