This popular introductory linguistics text is unique in the way various themes are
integrated throughout the book. One primary theme is the question, "How is a speaker’s
communicative intent recognized?" Rather than treat phonology, phonetics, morphology,
syntax, semantics, and pragmatics as completely separate fields, the text shows how they
interact in principled ways. Similarly, language variation and acquisition are informed by
results in these fields. The text provides a sound introduction to linguistic methodology
while also revealing why people are intrinsically interested in language--the ultimate
puzzle of the human mind.
The fifth edition has been thoroughly revised. Revisions include, but are not limited to,
the addition of "selected readings" sections, updated examples, new discussion
on the creative nature of neologisms, and the use of IPA as the primary transcription
system throughout. This edition also includes an account of the patterns of occurrence of
reduced vowels in English. An understanding of these patterns enables the reader to write
a phonemic transcription of any English word.
The late Adrian Akmajian was Professor of Linguistics at the University of Arizona.
Richard A. Demers is Professor of Linguistics at the University of Arizona.
Ann K. Farmer is a Senior Staff Technical Writer in the High Level Verification Group at
Synopsys, Sunnyvale, California.
Robert M. Harnish is Professor of Philosophy and Linguistics and Research Professor of
Cognitive Science at the University of Arizona.
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments ix
Note to the Teacher xi
Part I. The Structure of Human Language 1
Introduction 3
1. What is Linguistics?
Sample Chapter - Download PDF (35 KB) 5
2. Morphology: The Study of the Structure of Words 11
3. Phonetics and Phonemic Transcriptions 65
4. Phonology: The Study of Sound Structure 109
5. Syntax: The Study of Sentence Structure 149
6. Semantics: The Study of Linguistic Meaning 227
7. Language Variation 275
8. Language Change 315
Part II. Communication and Cognitive Science 355
Introduction 357
9. Pragmatics: The Study of Language Use and Communication
361
10. Psychology of Language: Speech Production and Comprehension
417
11. Language Acquisition in Children 477
12. Language and the Brain 527
Appendix: The Written Representation of Language 561
Glossary 571
Index
Paperback
578 pages
