An Introduction to Language and Linguistics: Breaking the Language Spell

Christopher Hall's book is the best new introduction to linguistics that I have seen in decades. It is engagingly written without talking down to the reader and it covers all the subparts of the field in a comprehensive and even-handed manner. I plan to use it the next time that I teach an introductory course at Washington.' Professor Frederick J. Newmeyer, University of Washington 'With apt examples from novels and newspapers, courtroom trials and telephone conversations, the lowly and the mighty, his book repeatedly startles as it casts light on language. This is a bright, humorous, and completely accessible tour of 21st-century linguistics.' Professor Edward Finegan, University of Southern California This book introduces the fundamentals of human language from a linguistic point of view, using examples drawn from everyday life to aid comprehension, and encouraging critical thinking throughout. Besides presenting the fundamental building blocks of language and explaining how these function, the book also introduces other key elements of the discipline of linguistics, including language acquisition, applied linguistics, psycholinguistics and discourse analysis. Packed full of examples, this is the ideal introduction to language for those who are interested in studying linguistics, have already started a course, or just want to study at home.

Table of Contents:
Part I Magic 1. The Spell 2. Linguistics Part II Words  3. Names, Words and Things 4. Where Words Come From 5. Forming Words Part III Grammar 6. Morphology 7. Syntax 8. From DNA to Discourse Acquisition Part IV Babel 9. Interlinguistic Diversity 10. Diversity Within  11. The Spell Unbroken Sources Bibliography Glossary

About the Author :
Christopher J. Hall is at York St John University College, York, UK. He has taught widely in linguistics and English language, and is the author of Morphology and Mind(Routledge, 1992).

Review :
'Hall's book uses an informal readable style, almost chatty in places...but it hides some serious points about the significance of language and the way it is used.' ~ Tim Connell, The Times Higher, November 2006 'With apt examples from novels and newspapers, courtroom trials and telephone conversations, the lowly and the mighty, his book repeatedly startles as it casts light on language. This is a bright, humorous, and completely accessible tour of 21st-century linguistics.' Professor Edward Finegan, University of Southern California Reference & Research Book News, August 2006 'Christopher Hall's book is the best new introduction to linguistics that I have seen in decades. It is engagingly written without talking down to the reader and it covers all the subparts of the field in a comprehensive and evenhanded manner. I plan to use it the next time that I teach an introductory course at Washington.' Professor Frederick J. Newmeyer, University of Washington 'There are already dozens of introductory texts on language and linguistics. Do we really need another one? In this case, the answer is ''yes''.  Hall's book is highly original, thanks mainly to the ''breaking the spell'' trope that underlies and motivates it.' John Fry, Lecturer in the Department of Linguistics at San Jose State University, California. 'a useful addition to a growing range of publications, reflecting the sheer diversity of linguistics as a subject. It is to be hoped that they will have a positive effect on students. [It] will certainly go a long way in persuading them that this is a fascinating subject with boundless possibilities.' ~ Tim Connell, Times Higher Education Supplement, November 2006