The idea for this book was born out of the author’s first experience of studying linguistics as a postgraduate. She quickly realised how little she knew about the history of the subject, the development of different fields of linguistics, and the personalities who had featured prominently in shaping the discipline. Many years later, this book represents everything she would like to have known then!
Arranged thematically rather than chronologically, this very readable account contains chapters on
the nature of language
the emergence of language
language diversity
language variation
the structure of language
the construction of meaning
the linguistic brain
language acquisition
With each chapter written as a series of connected stories, this accessible book provides an ideal introduction to the rich and varied history of language study and Western linguistics.
