English Vocabulary: The Basics offers a clear, non-jargonistic
introduction to English vocabulary, the way linguists classify and
explain it, and the place of vocabulary in our overall picture of the
language, and in society. Introducing a range of terminology for
discussing vocabulary, the reader is provided with a coherent,
structured description of what we know about words and their meanings.
Key features of this book include:
- Analysis of historical roots of present-day words
- Coverage of the differences between speech and writing and between
formality and informality
- Understanding of the social implications of choices that readers make
to use standard or non-standard (e.g., regional/dialect) vocabulary
- A focus on British English with reference to a wide range of
varieties of English that include North American English, Irish English,
Indian English, Malaysian English, Nigerian English and Caribbean
English.
Featuring a glossary of key terms, cartoons and illustrations, further
reading, reflection points, interesting "factoids" and examples from
corpora from around the world, this book is an engaging and
thought-provoking read for anyone with an interest in English
vocabulary.