Synopses & Reviews
This Second Edition of The Cambridge Encyclopedia of Language presents a mass of new information and introduces the subject of language to a fresh generation of students and general readers. Probably the most successful general study of language ever published, The Cambridge Encyclopedia of Language covers all the major themes of language study, including popular ideas about language, language and identity, the structure of language, speaking and listening, writing, reading, and signing, language acquisition, the neurological basis of language, and languages of the world. Exposing this work to a new generation of readers, the Second Edition extends the range of coverage to include advances in areas such as machine translation, speech interaction with machines, and language teaching. There is new material on acoustics, physiological concepts of language, and World English, and a complete update of the language distribution maps, language-speaking statistics, table of the world's languages, and further reading. All geopolitical material has been revised to take account of boundary changes. The book has been redesigned and is presented for the first time in full color, with new pictures and maps added.
Review
"...a treasure trove to language lovers." Robert MacNeil"Investigates every conceivable corner of the world of language." The Christian Science Monitor"...remarkably accessible...the writing is plain and non-technical..." Toronto Globe and Mail"The quantity and quality of included information is amazing. Composed by an individual, this is a truly unique and monumental reference work." American Reference Books Annual"The book is overwhelming yet inviting; the information ranges from the most basic to the very technical. Even the casual browser couldn't help but be fascinated by the sheer scope of the book and intrigued with the diversity of its subject matter." Elaine R. Goldberg, Kliatt"The most diverse, enjoyable, and thought-provoking encyclopedia on language....ideal for anyone interested in words, speech, writing, and thought, and certain to be a continual point of reference for any writer for years to come. Very highly recommended." Amazon.Com Books
Synopsis
This second edition of The Cambridge Encyclopedia of Language presents a mass of new information and introduces the subject of language to a fresh generation of students and general readers. In full colour for the first time, it offers a complete update of the most successful general study of language ever published.
Synopsis
Where did human language come from? How many languages are there? How do we acquire our first language or learn a second one? The highly acclaimed Cambridge Encyclopedia of Language by David Crystal answers these and other questions about language. From hieroglyphics to trucker talk, from Shakespeare in pidgin to sneezing in Tongan, this is a stimulating and richly illustrated guide to the variety, structure, history and theory of language. David Crystal not only conveys the intrinsic fascination of the subject, but also its enormous complexity. The visual dimension of the encyclopedia throws a fresh light on what has traditionally been treated as a non-visual subject, with many drawings, photographs, maps, display boxes and extracts all integrated within the text. In addition, appendices, meticulous cross-referencing and indexing ensure that this is an authoritative work of reference for students, professionals and general readers alike.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. 451-458) and indexes.