ABSTRACT

Now in its sixth edition, A Concise Introduction to Linguistics provides students with a detailed introduction to the core concepts of language as it relates to culture. The textbook includes a focus on linguistic anthropology, unpacking the main contributions of linguistics to the study of human communication and culture. Aimed at the general education student, the textbook also provides anthropology, linguistics, and English majors with the resources needed to pursue advanced courses in this area.

Written in an accessible manner that does not assume previous knowledge of linguistics, this new edition contains expanded discussions on linguistic anthropology, sociolinguistics (including an expanded section on trans and nonbinary language), and pragmatics. The textbook incorporates a robust set of pedagogical features, including marginal definitions, a substantial glossary, chapter summaries, and learning exercises. Brand new to this edition are a full International Phonetic Alphabet chart, new exercises with languages other than English, and new illustrations.

chapter Chapter 1|26 pages

Introduction: the nature of communication

chapter Chapter 2|29 pages

Phonetics: the sounds used in languages

chapter Chapter 3|21 pages

Phonology: the sound patterns used in languages

chapter Chapter 4|26 pages

Morphology: words and how they are formed

chapter Chapter 5|37 pages

Syntax: the larger patterns of language

chapter Chapter 6|25 pages

Semantics: the study of meaning

chapter Chapter 8|31 pages

Sociolinguistics: language and society

chapter Chapter 9|24 pages

Linguistic anthropology: language and culture

chapter Chapter 11|20 pages

Sign language: the language of the Deaf community

chapter Chapter 12|34 pages

Writing systems: the graphic representation of language

chapter Chapter 13|19 pages

Nonverbal communication: communicating without words

chapter Chapter 14|20 pages

Historical linguistics: the history of languages