The Study of Language

'The Study of Language is a very engaging, easy-to-read book that appeals to both native and non-native speakers of English. It is great for both self-study and classroom use. It covers quite a range of sub-fields of linguistics and each chapter offers a unique opportunity to put the linguistic knowledge into practice with well-crafted study questions, as well as tasks and discussion projects.' Emrah Grgl, stanbul Sabahattin Zaim University

'I searched many years for a text to support my students - mostly K-12 teachers - in understanding and appreciating the intricacies of language; when I found Yule's book, my search was finally over. The book walks novices through the structure and function of language with a series of fascinating and engaging examples. With its clear organization, well-written explanations, and fun reinforcing exercises, the Yule text provides an entry point for all readers.' Deborah Palmer, University of Colorado Boulder

'George Yule's The Study of Language has long been the standard introductory textbook to linguistics. The book provides a thorough but accessible presentation for beginners of a wide range of language-related topics, from traditional areas such as sound patterns and word formation to constantly evolving psycholinguistics and neurolinguistics. This new updated edition confirms its reputation as the ultimate introduction to the greatest puzzle of the human mind: what is language?' Ruggiero Pergola, University of Bari Aldo Moro

'I have used The Study of Language for thirteen years as a course book for students new to linguistics. It covers most fields comprehensively, but in an interesting and easily assimilated way. The eighth edition includes new content, but there have been notable improvements in the structure. Yule's book remains my firm favorite as an introductory text.' Stuart Foster, Halmstad University

'I first began to utilize Yule's book The Study of Language in 1992, finding the text to bestraightforward and comprehensive as an exploration of general linguistics forpre-service bilingual and ESL teacher education candidates. With each subsequent edition, Yule hasmaintained his direct and scholarly, yetuncomplicated,manner of writing, consistently instructing students in developing insights about language and languages. His use of multiple languages to illustrate significant concepts about linguisticsfor students validates languages in a global sense, providing each language with requisitestatus. Yule's text is thorough but concise, therebyenabling students to steadily build knowledge that is essential for the effective and equitable teaching of students whose first language is not English.' Melinda Cowart, Texas Woman's University

'I was first introduced to 'Yule's The Study of Language' as a graduate student shifting disciplines from literature to linguistics and, since then, like a Traveler's Guide, Yule's has become my best guide to linguistics. As a t...

George Yule has taught linguistics at the University of Edinburgh, the University of Hawai'i, the University of Minnesota and Louisiana State University.

1. The Origins of Language; 2. Animals and Human Language; 3. The Sounds of Language; 4. The Sound Patterns of Language; 5. Word Formation; 6. Morphology; 7. Grammar; 8. Syntax; 9. Semantics; 10. Pragmatics; 11. Discourse Analysis; 12. Language and the Brain; 13. First Language Acquisition; 14. Second Language Acquisition; 15. Gestures and Sign Languages; 16. Written Language; 17. Language History and Change; 18. Regional Variation in Language; 19. Social Variation in Language; 20. Language and Culture.