The Study of Language

Easy to follow, simple to understand, broad yet concise coverage – this fundamental introduction now has more study questions and tasks.

George Yule (Author)

9781009233408, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 10 November 2022

404 pages
24.6 x 18.9 x 2 cm, 0.89 kg

'I was first introduced to 'Yule's The Study of Language' as a graduate student shifting disciplines from literature to linguistics and, since then, like a Traveler's Guide, Yule's has become my best guide to linguistics. As a transnational scholar, teacher and, more recently, a mother raising a heritage speaker, the eighth edition with its new addition of heritage languages offers an excellent and all-inclusive guide to diverse and extremely pressing language matters.' Reda Mohammed, Ph.D. candidate, Linguistics & TESOL, Illinois State University

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 eighth edition has been revised and updated throughout, with major changes in the chapters on Origins, Phonetics, Syntax, Semantics, Pragmatics, Discourse Analysis, First and Second Language Acquisition and Culture. There are forty new study questions and over sixty new and updated additions to the Further Readings. To increase student engagement and to foster problem-solving and critical thinking skills, the book includes over twenty new tasks. The online resources have been expanded to include test banks, an instructor manual, and a substantial Study Guide. This is the most fundamental and easy-to-use introduction to the study of language.

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
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.

Subject Areas: Linguistics [CF]