This accessible textbook introduces concepts and frameworks from linguistics and uses them in the analysis of language on social media. Assuming no prior knowledge of linguistics and with examples drawn from 12 different social media platforms, including TikTok, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat.
Despite a history of hundreds of years of research analysing aspects of English grammar, there are still open problems which continue to baffle language researchers today. Such ‘grammar mysteries’ arise for a number of because the language is changing; because different speakers of the language adhere to distinct norms and thus introduce and maintain variation in the system; because there are differences between the grammar of spoken and written English. This book illuminates some of the complexities of the subject, the areas where new discoveries await and why it matters. Through a series of accessible and engaging case studies on various aspects of grammar, from multiple negation to possession, the authors present grammar as an intellectual challenge. This book brings out into the open questions about language usage to which we still do not have good answers in a bid to make variation overt and to revel in the mystery of the English language. Both aimed at the interested general reader and the beginning student of English language and linguistics, this is a fresh take on grammar.
A linguistic introduction to the structures and meanings of English words Lexicology is about words, their meanings and the relationships between them, their origins and their structure. It combines the study of derivational morphology with lexical semantics. This textbook explores the history, meanings and structure of words, the way they are collected in dictionaries and the way they are stored in our minds. It goes beyond examining the morphological structure of words to examine the way words are spelt and the way they sound. At every stage, the book focuses not only on description, but also on the puzzles that words present. Supported by numerous examples, exercises, discussion questions, suggestions for further reading and a glossary, this is an accessible and lively guide to the linguistic study of English through the consideration of words. Key Features: -Covers orthography, synonyms, hyponyms, figurative language, semantic analysis, loan words and dictionaries -Considers the history and morphological structure of English and the influence of borrowing from French, Latin and Greek -Includes examples, exercises and discussion questions in each chapter -Includes a glossary of key terms and suggestions for further reading Laurie Bauer is Emeritus Professor of Linguistics at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand.
Presents a new way of thinking about morphological structure based on psycholinguistic principles
Introduction; 2. Compounds and words; 3. The grammar of compounds; 4. The semantics of compounds; 5. The classification of compounds; 6. Facets of English compounding; 7. Discussion.
An Introduction to the Study of Linguistic Change in Standard Englishes in the 20th Century
Focusing on the evolution of standard English throughout the twentieth century, this groundbreaking text offers an historical perspective on linguistic changes rather than a sociolinguistic one. It provides readers with valuable exercises, notes, and discussion points, making it a practical resource for understanding the dynamics of language transformation during this period.
Focusing on the intricacies of English word formation, this comprehensive work explores inflection, derivation, compounding, and conversion, along with minor processes like subtractive morphology. It presents data in a theory-neutral manner while offering theoretically informed analysis. Recognized for its scholarly contribution, it won the 2015 Bloomfield Book Award and is authored by three distinguished experts in the field.
This introduction to linguistics for the absolute beginner focuses on the core topics of phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics and pragmatics. Theoretically-neutral, each essential topic is covered in depth and the author's engaging style encourages interaction from students by using regular short questions to check comprehension.
Fascinating answers to quirky questions about language Why is it not wrong to be doubly negative? Where do you place the stress in such words as 'dissect'? Where do 'wowser', 'craw thumper' and the 'f-word' come from? Do New Zealanders mangle the English language? Should we say different 'from' or 'to' or 'than'? We use it every day, but what is this thing called language, and are there rights and wrongs about its use? Four leading linguists, with specific interest in New Zealand English, tackle the common-place and quirky questions that arise from what we say, read and write. Funny, accessible, informative, this is a fascinating book.
A compendium of useful things for linguistics students to know, from the IPA chart to the Saussurean dichotomies, this book will be the constant companion of anyone undertaking studies of linguistics.