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A Little Book of Language David Crystal

A Little Book of Language By David Crystal

A Little Book of Language by David Crystal


$20.99
Condition - Very Good
<20 in stock

Summary

Reveals language's myriad intricacies and quirks. This book focuses on the development of unique linguistic styles, the origins of obscure accents, and the search for the first written word. It discusses the plight of endangered languages, as well as successful cases of linguistic revitalization.

A Little Book of Language Summary

A Little Book of Language by David Crystal

With a language disappearing every two weeks and neologisms springing up almost daily, an understanding of the origins and currency of language has never seemed more relevant. In this charming volume, a narrative history written explicitly for a young audience, expert linguist David Crystal proves why the story of language deserves retelling. From the first words of an infant to the peculiar modern dialect of text messaging, A Little Book of Language ranges widely, revealing language's myriad intricacies and quirks. In animated fashion, Crystal sheds light on the development of unique linguistic styles, the origins of obscure accents, and the search for the first written word. He discusses the plight of endangered languages, as well as successful cases of linguistic revitalization. Much more than a history, Crystal's work looks forward to the future of language, exploring the effect of technology on our day-to-day reading, writing, and speech. Through enlightening tables, diagrams, and quizzes, as well as Crystal's avuncular and entertaining style, A Little Book of Language will reveal the story of language to be a captivating tale for all ages.

A Little Book of Language Reviews

Demotic, lively, rigorous but unabashedly unpedantic David Crystal remind[s] us that living languages know no boundaries, that they adapt themselves joyously to new conditions. Here he indulges himself with great good humour in his little book of love for the pleasures of language and words worldwide. - Iain Finlayson, The Times (London) -- Iain Finlayson The Times (London) David Crystal is not just a great linguist, but a true champion and lover of language.-Benjamin Zephaniah -- Benjamin Zephaniah An excellent book to put in the hands of anyone first starting to think about the wonders of what we all take for granted, our shared capacity to talk and understand. - Nicholas Ostler, Empires of the Word -- Nicholas Ostler 'Crystal-clear, witty and informative, a book to bring out the linguist in us all.' - Roger McGough -- Roger McGough A Little Book of Language is a paean to language in all its guises. Crystal has clearly thought long and hard about his subject...[H]e is always revealing and thought-provoking.--David B. Williams, Seattle Times -- David B. Williams Seattle Times David Crystal... is a charming tour guide... He is excited, not cranky, about how language is changing in the Internet age.--Jan Gardner, The Boston Globe -- Jan Gardner The Boston Globe Crystal rolls the basics of language--plus a few quirky insights--into one neat little package.--Seed Magazine Seed Magazine Crystal here writes for the true beginner, but does so with his usual clarity and authority, as he ranges from ancient etymologies to modern text-messaging. The chapters--again 40 of them--are made doubly engaging by Jean-Manuel Duvivier's frolicsome, highly stylized black-and-white illustrations.--Michael Dirda, Washington Post -- Michael Dirda Washington Post In his light and amusing A Little Book of Language, David Crystal treats the world's 6,000 tongues-which are disappearing at an alarming rate-as a natural resource no less precious than our oceans and forests.-The Daily Beast The Daily Beast Delightfully approachable... [a] 101-level of study with a heavy helping of charm and nary a dash of condescension.--Megan Stride, PopMatters -- Megan Stride PopMatters The prolific British language writer, David Crystal, has produced another winner.-Visualthesuarus.com Visualthesuarus.com

About David Crystal

David Crystal is one of the world's preeminent language specialists. Writer, editor, lecturer, and broadcaster, he is Honorary Professor of Linguistics at the University of Wales, Bangor. He has written nearly 100 books, including The Cambridge Encyclopaedia of the English Language, By Hook or By Crook: A Journey in Search of English, Txtng: The Gr8 Db8, The Stories of English, and Rediscover Grammar, and has published widely on phonetics, Shakespeare's language, and child language. In 1995 he was awarded the OBE for services to the English language. He lives in Holyhead, UK.

Additional information

GOR002067535
9780300155334
0300155336
A Little Book of Language by David Crystal
Used - Very Good
Hardback
Yale University Press
20100601
288
N/A
Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
This is a used book - there is no escaping the fact it has been read by someone else and it will show signs of wear and previous use. Overall we expect it to be in very good condition, but if you are not entirely satisfied please get in touch with us

Customer Reviews - A Little Book of Language