Product Information
With a language disappearing every two weeks and neologisms springing up almost daily, an understanding of the origins and currency of language has never seemed more relevant. In this charming volume, a narrative history written explicitly for a young audience, expert linguist David Crystal proves why the story of language deserves retelling. From the first words of an infant to the peculiar modern dialect of text messaging, A Little Book of Language ranges widely, revealing language's myriad intricacies and quirks. In animated fashion, Crystal sheds light on the development of unique linguistic styles, the origins of obscure accents, and the search for the first written word. He discusses the plight of endangered languages, as well as successful cases of linguistic revitalization. Much more than a history, Crystal's work looks forward to the future of language, exploring the effect of technology on our day-to-day reading, writing, and speech. Through enlightening tables, diagrams, and quizzes, as well as Crystal's avuncular and entertaining style, A Little Book of Language will reveal the story of language to be a captivating tale for all ages.Product Identifiers
PublisherYale University Press
ISBN-139780300155334
eBay Product ID (ePID)87905557
Product Key Features
Book TitleA Little Book of Language
AuthorDavid Crystal
FormatHardcover
LanguageEnglish
Publication Year2010
Number of Pages288 Pages
Dimensions
Item Height216mm
Item Width138mm
Additional Product Features
Title_AuthorDavid Crystal
Country/Region of ManufactureUnited States