Language Files: Materials for an Introduction to Language & Linguistics

Rating:
Summary: Get excited about Linguistics
Review: This book is used as the text for an introductory linguistics course at the University of Montana. While it contains basic linguistics chapters, it also has fun stuff about animals and language, historical linguistics, computers and language, and acoustics. The book is ideal for anyone who is interested in teaching an introductory class or just interested in finding out what linguistics is all about. There are many exercises since this is a text book and some answers in the back of the book.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent text
Review: This new edition is a much improved version of an old standard. When I first used Language Files, it consisted primarily of a workbook of exercises accompanied by tersely worded handouts. The exercises are still here, and they've been added to and improved. But the text has been greatly expanded and updated so that the book can now stand on its own as a course textbook rather than as simply a workbook supplement. The glossary is excellent, and there is a separate language index in addition to the general index. The book still retains it organization as separate short files, which makes it very easy to find readings on specific topics; the reader feels free to skip around within the text. The brevity of the files adds to their readability. I would recommend this book as a either a course text or supplement for any introductory linguistics course.

Rating:
Summary: Facts that would be dull for most
Review: Well, I liked this book. I also studied linguistics in college. Its a very good book if you are interested in the subject. I enjoyed seeing some history and practical basic linguistic theory. If you are not a linguist, some of these concepts may be over your head. Its a great book for displaying on your bookshelf to make people think you are smart, too.