The Structure of Language: An Introduction to Grammatical Analysis

Paperback / softback

Main Details

Title The Structure of Language: An Introduction to Grammatical Analysis
Authors and Contributors      By (author) Emma L. Pavey
Physical Properties
Format:Paperback / softback
Pages:424
Dimensions(mm): Height 244,Width 170
Category/GenreSemantics
Grammar and syntax
ISBN/Barcode 9780521736657
ClassificationsDewey:415 415
Audience
Professional & Vocational
Illustrations 31 Tables, black and white; 3 Halftones, black and white; 95 Line drawings, black and white

Publishing Details

Publisher Cambridge University Press
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publication Date 19 August 2010
Publication Country United Kingdom

Description

Most of the time we communicate using language without considering the complex activity we are undertaking, forming words and sentences in a split second. This book introduces the analysis of language structure, combining both description and theory within a single, practical text. It begins by examining words and parts of words, and then looks at how words work together to form sentences that communicate meaning. Sentence patterns across languages are also studied, looking at the similarities and the differences we find in how languages communicate meaning. The book also discusses how context can affect how we structure our sentences: the context of a particular language and its structures, the context of old and new information for us and our addressee(s), and the context of our culture.

Author Biography

Emma L. Pavey is Assistant Professor of Linguistics at the Canada Institute of Linguistics at Trinity Western University, British Columbia.

Reviews

'An excellent first-course in language analysis.' John R. Roberts, SIL International