Includes bibliographical references (pages 253-264) and index

Preface -- 1. The origins of language -- 2. Animals and human language -- 3. The development of writing -- 4. The sounds of language -- 5. The sound patterns of language -- 6. Words and word-formation processes -- 7. Morphology -- 8. Phrases and sentences : grammar -- 9. Syntax -- 10. Semantics -- 11. Pragmatics -- 12. Discourse analysis -- 13. Language and the brain -- 14. First language acquisition -- 15. Second language acquisition/learning -- 16. Gestures and sign languages -- 17. Language history and change -- 18. Language and regional variation -- 19. Language and social variation -- 20. Language and culture -- Appendix : suggested answers to study questions -- Glossary -- References -- Index

Designed for beginners, this best-selling textbook provides a thorough introduction to the study of language. It introduces the analysis of the key elements of language--sounds, words, structures and meanings, and provides a solid foundation in all of the essential topics. The third edition has been extensively revised to include new sections on important contemporary issues in language study, including language and culture, African American English, sign language, and slang. A comprehensive glossary provides useful explanations of technical terms, and each chapter contains a range of new study questions and research tasks, with suggested answers