Linguistics for Dummies - Paperback

by Strang Burton (Author), Amanda Cardoso (Author), Rose-Marie Dechaine (Author)

Learn what language is all about--in an approachable, accessible way

Linguistics For Dummies, 2nd Edition explains the science of language in simple terms, so you can wrap your mind around how human languages are structured and what they reveal about our world. With approachable explanations in this book and coverage of the social nature of language, cognitive language processing, and beyond, this guide a go-to resource.

If you're in a linguistics class, use this Dummies guide to speed up your study sessions and boost your grade. If not, you're still in for a fascinating look into what linguists think about--including the key research findings, the impact of AI on language use, and other steps involved in the evolution of words. You'll be surprised how much power language can have.

Inside:

• Learn how language started, how new languages form, and how our brains process words
• Discover what language can teach us about societies, groups, and individuals
• Gain a clear understanding of essential topics in linguistics, simple and complex
• Read about key research in linguistics, including how technology is changing language

Linguistics For Dummies, 2nd Edition covers the topics in a typical introductory linguistics class, making it ideal for both students and anyone who wants to teach themselves about the science of language.

Back Jacket

Decode the science of language

Every word that you produce, perceive, or read is part of a fascinating system that connects people and reveals how our minds work. Linguistics For Dummies is your straightforward guide to wrapping your head around how language is built, from it's smallest units (sounds and sign parameters) to the sentences we form and the meanings we share. You'll explore communication, pattern formation, cognition, and the social side of language. Whether you're a student or just language-curious, this Dummies guide makes it fun.

Inside ...

• Phonetics and phonology basics
• Sentence structure and semantics
• Language, cognition, and the mind
• Sociolinguistics explained
• AI and computer processing
• Multi-modality of language
• Language changes over time
• Real-world applications

Author Biography

Strang Burton, PhD, is an associate professor of teaching in linguistics at the University of British Columbia (UBC).

Amanda Cardoso, PhD, is a lecturer in linguistics at UBC.

Rose-Marie Déchaine, PhD, is a professor in linguistics at UBC.

Garrett Nicolai, PhD, is an assistant professor of teaching in linguistics and the MDS-CL program director at UBC.

Eric Vatikiotis- Bateson, PhD, was a professor and the Canada research chair in the department of linguistics at UBC.