This accessible and engaging textbook offers a practical approach to understanding the complexity of language by exploring language use and language learning in a wide variety of contexts.
Bringing together leading specialists who are active researchers in the field of linguistics, this book introduces readers to major fields of language study by focusing on social, cultural and historical factors that show the dynamic nature of language. Topics explored include first and second language acquisition, grammar, meaning-making and pragmatics, language use and technology, language variation, and English as a global language. This book surveys major principles and shows how to apply them through structured discussion topics and activities to facilitate a greater understanding and appreciation of language.
This is essential reading for undergraduate students taking courses in linguistics and language use, and a valuable resource for students of communication studies, media studies, sociology and anthropology.
1. How Does Language Work?
Jeffrey Gil and Sky Marsen
2. How Do We Learn Languages?
Mai Tuyet Ngo
3. What is Language Made Of?
Javier Díaz Martínez
4. How Do We Make Meaning With Language?
Sky Marsen
5. How Does Technology Affect Language Use?
Antonella Strambi and Olga Sanchez Castro
6. How Do Languages Vary?
Christele Maizonniaux
7. How Does a Language Become Global?
Jeffrey Gil
8. What Do We (Not) Know About Language?
Jeffrey Gil and Sky Marsen
Biography
Jeffrey Gil is Senior Lecturer in ESOL/TESOL at Flinders University, Australia. His research interests include English as a global language and the use and status of Chinese around the world.
Sky Marsen is the Director of the Communication Program at Flinders University, Australia. Her research interests include semiotics, discourse analysis and strategic communication. She has international experience in lecturing and researching in these areas and is the author of several articles and books.
