Language: An Introduction to the Study of Speech

By Edward Sapir and Sapir Edward

Book Overview

An expert, accessible study, this book asks and answers fundamental questions about how language works, its regional variations, and its cultural and historical roles. The author relates linguistic issues to a broad spectrum of other areas, including the part played by language in the nature of thought and in artistic expression. No finer introduction to the subject exists, and this work's direct style and thought-provoking topics extend its appeal beyond the classroom.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0486437442
• ISBN13: 9780486437446
• Release Date: September 2004
• Publisher: Dover Publications
• Length: 200 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.4" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

Challenging and Thought Provoking

When I started reading this work I found that it was very difficult to get through much at once. The book is very dense and packed with insightful examples. However, Sapir illustrates points quite well. In it he discusses phonetic theories, concepts of drift, syntax and word structure, how language and culture are related, and the like. There are few more comprehensive introductions to the field today, and fewer introductions still which go into the level of depth that he does. Highly recommended.

One of the best general introductions to linguistics.

Sapir's 1921 "Language" is one of the finest of many fine works by the distinguished linguist, anthropologist and humanist. With piercing yet accessible insight, he guides the reader through fundamental questions about language: How are culture and language related? How does language work? How do languages vary? Although there are many general introductions to the subject (Bloomfield's and Jesperson's volume come to mind), Sapir's is unmatched for sheer readability in interest. Highly recommended.