German: A Linguistic Introduction

by Sarah M. B. Fagan

Overview

Standard German is spoken by approximately 95 million people worldwide. This book provides an introduction to the linguistic structure of standard German that is rich in descriptive detail and grounded in modern linguistic theory. It describes the main linguistic features: the sounds, structure and formation of words, structure of sentences, and meaning of words and sentences. It surveys the history of the language, the major dialects, German in Austria and Switzerland, as well as sociolinguistic issues such as style, language and gender, youth language, and English influence on German. Prior knowledge of German is not required, as glosses and translations of the German examples are provided. Each chapter includes exercises designed to give the reader practical experience in analyzing the language. It is an essential learning tool for undergraduate and graduate students in German and linguistics.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521852852
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	05/14/2009
Series:	Linguistic Introductions
Pages:	332
Product dimensions:	6.20(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

Sarah M. B. Fagan is Professor in the Department of German at the University of Iowa.

Table of Contents

Introduction; 1. Phonetics and phonology; 2. Morphology; 3. Syntax; 4. Semantics; 5. History of the language; 6. Regional variation; 7. Sociolinguistic issues.

Editorial Reviews

'I would definitely buy this book and also use it in class. Perfect for a course on the structure of German.' Susi Wurmbrand, University of Connecticut

'… there is much superb material here … Anyone who teaches German linguistics, or is just interested in the linguistic structure of German, should read this book.' Modern Language Review

From the Publisher