The Study of Language

This bestselling textbook provides an engaging and user-friendly introduction to the study of language. Assuming no prior knowledge of the subject, Yule presents information in bite-sized sections, clearly explaining the major concepts in linguistics and all the key elements of language. This seventh edition has been revised and updated throughout, with substantial changes to the chapters on phonetics and semantics, and forty new study questions. To increase student engagement and to foster problem-solving and critical thinking skills, the book includes over twenty new tasks. An expanded and revised online study guide provides students with further resources, including answers and tutorials for all tasks, while encouraging lively and proactive learning. This is the most fundamental and easy-to-use introduction to the study of language.

Table of Contents:
Preface; 1. The origins of language; 2. Animals and human language; 3. The sounds of language; 4. The sound patterns of language; 5. Word formation; 6. Morphology; 7. Grammar; 8. Syntax; 9. Semantics; 10. Pragmatics; 11. Discourse analysis; 12. Language and the brain; 13. First language acquisition; 14. Second language acquisition/learning; 15. Gestures and sign languages; 16. Written language; 17. Language history and change; 18. Regional variation in language; 19. Social variation in language; 20. Language and culture; Glossary; References; Index.

About the Author :
George Yule has taught linguistics at the University of Edinburgh, the University of Hawaii, Manoa, the University of Minnesota and Louisiana State University.

Review :
'With a wide array of illustrative examples, accessible explanations, and engaging activities, Yule excels in transforming his readers' inherent familiarity with language into explicit knowledge of linguistic concepts. In its seventh edition, The Study of Language thus retains its status as the pre-eminent text for introducing students to language as a field of study and guiding them through a broad range of linguistic analyses.' Kristy Beers Fagersten, Södertörn University, Sweden 'The Study of Language provides a solid overview of an impressively wide range of areas in linguistics, not only 'core' areas such as syntax and phonology, but also the origins of language, pragmatics, discourse analysis, historical linguistics and more. Each chapter succeeds in providing a thorough overview of its topic while remaining at a level appropriate to newcomers in the field. The book is written in a style accessible even to non-native English speakers. A great book for introductory undergraduate linguistics classes. The study questions and tasks at the end of each chapter are engaging and the discussion topics/projects are designed to push students beyond the material, and to use their own experiences and analytical skills to think about language.' Kathleen O'Connor, Université Charles-de-Gaulle Lille III '… the 7th edition of The Study of Language continues the charm of Yule's introductory method for student and instructor, offering intellectually manageable chunks of information to first-time learners of linguistics, with ample space for elaboration and practice in the classroom.' Aaron Smith, Illinois State University 'In this beautifully exemplified and coherently structured book, Yule guides readers through the various aspects of language study. This is an ideal introduction to linguistics for students and practitioners with a general interest in language. This edition is enriched with study questions and tasks which will be particularly useful to readers.' Sofia Lampropoulou, University of Liverpool '… an impeccably organized introduction to linguistics.' Geraldine Bard, Buffalo State College, State University of New York 'My students continue to rate this text highly for its depth, creativity, and accessibility. In my opinion, The Study of Language ought to be required reading for education majors and pre-service teachers; indeed, for any student who wishes to effectively use language as a tool in their profession.' Thomas Hunter, Martin Luther College, Minnesota 'This is unequivocally a best-selling, internationally acclaimed book that has proven to be ideal for beginners when it comes to an introduction to linguistics. Given the fact that this is the 7th edition of the book, it is clear it has impressed many minds across the world and will continue to shed light onto linguistics and inspiring more and more generations of students.' Claudia Sanchez, LINGUIST List 'This book is a textbook for introducing linguistics in general. The strongest aspect of this book is its exceptionally easily readable prose. It can be used both for teachers and self-learners. For teachers, this textbook is a guide for preparing introductory lessons for students who have never had any training in linguistics. Self-learners would find a solid foundation for their first steps into linguistics.' Adrià Torrens Urrutia, LINGUIST List