The Study of Language

by George Yule

Overview

This bestselling textbook provides an engaging and user-friendly introduction to the study of language. Assuming no prior knowledge of the subject, Yule presents information in bite-sized sections, clearly explaining the major concepts in linguistics and all the key elements of language. This eighth edition has been revised and updated throughout, with major changes in the chapters on Origins, Phonetics, Syntax, Semantics, Pragmatics, Discourse Analysis, First and Second Language Acquisition and Culture. There are forty new study questions and over sixty new and updated additions to the Further Readings. To increase student engagement and to foster problem-solving and critical thinking skills, the book includes over twenty new tasks. The online resources have been expanded to include test banks, an instructor manual, and a substantial Study Guide. This is the most fundamental and easy-to-use introduction to the study of language.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781009233408
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	11/10/2022
Edition description:	8th Revised ed.
Pages:	404
Product dimensions:	7.44(w) x 9.69(h) x 0.79(d)

About the Author

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

Table of Contents

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.

Editorial Reviews

‘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 Görgülü, İstanbul 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 be straightforward and comprehensive as an exploration of general linguistics for pre-service bilingual and ESL teacher education candidates. With each subsequent edition, Yule has maintained his direct and scholarly, yet uncomplicated, manner of writing, consistently instructing students in developing insights about language and languages. His use of multiple languages to illustrate significant concepts about linguistics for students validates languages in a global sense, providing each language with requisite status. Yule’s text is thorough but concise, thereby enabling 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 transnational scholar, teacher and, more recently, a mother raising a heritage speaker, the eighth edition with its new addition of heritage languages offers an excellent and all-inclusive guide to diverse and extremely pressing language matters.’ Reda Mohammed, Ph.D. candidate, Linguistics & TESOL, Illinois State University

‘I have found this book to be a very useful and accessible intro to the study of language.’ Lauren Zentz, University of Houston

From the Publisher