This popular introductory linguistics text is unique for its integration of themes. Rather than treat morphology, phonetics, phonology, syntax, and semantics as completely separate fields, the book shows how they interact. The authors provide a sound introduction to linguistic methodology, focusing on a set of linguistic concepts that are among the most fundamental within the field.

By studying the topics in detail, students can get a feeling for how work in different areas of linguistics is done.

As in the last edition, part I covers the structural and interpretive parts of language—morphology, phonetics, phonology, syntax, semantics, variation, and change. Part II covers use and context of language and includes chapters on pragmatics, psychology of language, language acquisition, and language and the brain. This seventh edition has been extensively revised and updated; new material includes a chapter on computational linguistics, more non-English examples, and a wide range of exercises, quizzes, and special topics.

The book is ideal for undergraduate and post-graduate students of Linguistics and English Language.

“There's a good reason why this Introduction has been the standard for decades: it's consistently inviting, informative, and intelligent. This edition, attuned to the twenty-first century, is the best one yet.”

—Steven Pinker

This popular introductory linguistics text is unique for its integration of themes. Rather than treat morphology, phonetics, phonology, syntax, and semantics as completely separate fields, the book shows how they interact. The authors provide a sound introduction to linguistic methodology, focusing on a set of linguistic concepts that are among the most fundamental within the field.

By studying the topics in detail, students can get a feeling for how work in different areas of linguistics is done.

As in the last edition, part I covers the structural and interpretive parts of language—morphology, phonetics, phonology, syntax, semantics, variation, and change. Part II covers use and context of language and includes chapters on pragmatics, psychology of language, language acquisition, and language and the brain. This seventh edition has been extensively revised and updated; new material includes a chapter on computational linguistics, more non-English examples, and a wide range of exercises, quizzes, and special topics.

The book is ideal for undergraduate and post-graduate students of Linguistics and English Language.

“There's a good reason why this Introduction has been the standard for decades: it's consistently inviting, informative, and intelligent. This edition, attuned to the twenty-first century, is the best one yet.”

—Steven Pinker