Understanding Language: A Basic Course in Linguistics

An introduction to linguistics, this book acquaints students to the key areas of linguistics using real-world illustrations. This fully revised and updated text draws upon students’ daily experiences with linguistic concepts, allowing them to integrate terminology and build analytical skills as they develop a deeper understanding of how language facilitates our lives and, collectively, our society.
Features of the third edition include:

- A new chapter exploring language, the brain and the mind
- A new chapter on World Englishes
- Updated and expanded coverage of topics throughout, including animal communication systems, language and gender and educational linguistics
- New and refreshed online resources offering additional support for teachers and students.

Equipped with illustrations, diagrams and a wealth of examples of language in use, this book brings the study of language to life, using a wide range of materials including text from public signs, newspapers, magazines, digital platforms, snippets from real-life conversations as well as dialogue from print, film and television. The book’s companion website provides a host of additional materials to further assist in the teaching and understanding of linguistics. It includes suggestions for further reading and a list of questions to consolidate understanding at each step.

Elizabeth Winkler is Faculty Emeritus at Western Kentucky University, USA.

Trini Stickle is Associate Professor of Linguistics at Western Kentucky University, USA.