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oxnard_montalvo's review against another edition
3.0
A nice wee guide to some of the basic concepts and it contains interesting facts and figures in an easy to understand layout. I got the impression it skims over some of the theories; I could have done with something more robust. That being said, I thought the order of the book was peculiar. The bulk of what I suppose could be classified as theories pertaining to grammar, structure and 'hard linguistics'- all the historical background- comes right off the bat, before we've even established what language is, and gotten into how and why we have it. Ideally, start from the middle, read 2/3 of the way through, jump back to the start and then skip to the end.
Others on here have mentioned important theories were omitted entirely; I wouldn't have known, so I can't say I missed them. I will keep my eye out for something more rigorous in the future.
Others on here have mentioned important theories were omitted entirely; I wouldn't have known, so I can't say I missed them. I will keep my eye out for something more rigorous in the future.
lisawreading's review against another edition
4.0
The "Introducing" books are a fun series, like a mini version of all the college classes you wish you took back when you had the chance. Available editions include Budha, Time, Foucault, Logic, Feminism... the list goes on and on.
My daughter bought me the linguistics book after I commented that I wished I'd studies the subject more in college. Surprisingly, the Introducing book isn't just silly fluff, which was my initial impression based on the cover. Instead, it provides a nice overview of the field, from history through modern applications, and I found myself both entertained and educated.
Obviously, these type of books can only scratch the surface, but Introducing Linguistics taught me a few things that I didn't know before, kept me engaged, and was a worthwhile way to pass an afternoon.
My daughter bought me the linguistics book after I commented that I wished I'd studies the subject more in college. Surprisingly, the Introducing book isn't just silly fluff, which was my initial impression based on the cover. Instead, it provides a nice overview of the field, from history through modern applications, and I found myself both entertained and educated.
Obviously, these type of books can only scratch the surface, but Introducing Linguistics taught me a few things that I didn't know before, kept me engaged, and was a worthwhile way to pass an afternoon.
mildnothing's review against another edition
4.0
Language sets us apart from other, non-human animals, but exactly when or why we developed this abililty is still unknown (and might never be known). However, describing, how language works and what its functioning elements are is part of studying linguistics. This short book explains basic theories and definitions of linguistics and presents important linguists (lots of Chomsky, tbh.) and their theories and research focus.
As somebody who's interested in languages and their relationships to each other, this quick read gave a good start for further reading, and the author even provided a little list of suggested books bases on one's own focus of interest.
Recommended for novices. The illustrations could be improved though.
As somebody who's interested in languages and their relationships to each other, this quick read gave a good start for further reading, and the author even provided a little list of suggested books bases on one's own focus of interest.
Recommended for novices. The illustrations could be improved though.
alternbruno's review against another edition
5.0
Una introducción muy recomendable para quien busque hacerse de un panorama general de la lingüística. El formato ayuda en sobremanera a entender de manera clara y sencilla los debates actuales del estudio del lenguaje y los representantes más sobresalientes en el campo de la lingüística formal, cognitiva, funcional, etc, sin necesidad de recurrir a un manual de colosales dimensiones o a libros especializados y enrevesados.
chadinguist's review against another edition
3.0
A funny mini guide for beginner linguists or anyone interested in linguistics
david_b_clark's review against another edition
5.0
Tremendously accessible, a whole lot of fun, and very informative. Brushing up on something has never been so easy. The book reads like the smart kid's notes from Intro to Linguistics: stocked with doodles and images that bring a certain ease of page turning to even someone that knows next to nothing on the subject.
katjdent's review against another edition
4.0
I really wanted to know exactly what linguistics was all about and this book was perfect for that. It was short and sweet, broad and easy to grasp.
mlindner's review against another edition
http://marklindner.info/blog/2009/12/31/books-read-in-2009/
Read: 29 Nov 2009
Read: 29 Nov 2009
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