Linguistics
Reviewed by Marian Newell MISTC LCGI [1999]
This is a simple introduction to a very academic subject from a leader in
the fields of linguistics, indexing and encyclopaedias. Crystal manages to
make 266 pages of solid text, rarely even interrupted by sub-headings, quite
readable - an achievement in itself. The book wouldn't win any prizes for
visual design but it does give the reader a high-level understanding of the
terms and schools within the broad field of linguistics.
Although technical communicators obviously use language all the time, it
is debatable how much value an understanding of its mechanics and development
is to them. The most interesting aspect to me was the way in which it changed
my perception of grammar and writing "properly". Crystal presents linguistics
as the study of language as it is, rather than a prescription for how it should
be. I'm not advocating writing manuals in slang but it has made me think more
about whether my style is natural and easy for my readers to understand than
whether it complies with specific grammatical rules.
There is often fierce argument between writers in all sorts of fields over
minor points of usage, grammar and punctuation, sometimes to the exclusion
of other aspects of readability. I still think it's important we know what
the rules are but I now realise there may be a case for breaking them on occasion,
so long as we have a good reason for doing so.
One thing an understanding of linguistics seems to provide is a better context
for the current state of a language. When you see it as a product of centuries
of evolution, it becomes less of a sacred cow and future development becomes
inevitable. Reasonably priced and easy to read, this slim paperback is a good
place to start if you want to find out more.
Penguin Books Ltd, 2nd edition 1985, ISBN 0-14-013531-6
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