Language and Linguistics - An Introduction
Reviewed by Marian Newell MISTC LCGI [1999]
Although described as an introduction to linguistics and the study of language,
intended particularly for newcomers to the field, this is a more comprehensive
and consequently rather heavier volume than Crystal's Linguistics.
It covers much of the same ground but in more depth. Unfortunately, it shares
the same unimaginative visual design.
The early chapters deal with the fundamentals of linguistics: definition
of language, schools of study, sounds of language, grammar, semantics, language
changes and modern movements in the field. As stated, these overlap with Crystal
and so the question is really how much depth you want to go into.
The final three chapters were more interesting to me as they deal with the
relationship between language and the mind, society and culture. I found this
broader perspective quite fascinating, particularly the relationship between
how we think and how we speak. Like many other areas of human factors, I think
this is very relevant to technical communicators in ensuring that we present
our message in the most effective way possible.
Each chapter concludes with a list of recommended reading, confirming the
book's role as an introduction to the subject and inviting you to take your
knowledge further. Lyons is well known name in the field and the references
include more of his own work.
Cambridge University Press, 1981, 0-521-29775-3
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