This bestselling textbook provides an engaging and user-friendly
introduction to the study of language. Assuming no prior knowledge of
the subject, Yule presents information in bite-sized sections, clearly
explaining the major concepts in linguistics and all the key elements of
language. This eighth edition has been revised and updated throughout,
with major changes in the chapters on Origins, Phonetics, Syntax,
Semantics, Pragmatics, Discourse Analysis, First and Second Language
Acquisition and Culture. There are forty new study questions and over
sixty new and updated additions to the Further Readings. To increase
student engagement and to foster problem-solving and critical thinking
skills, the book includes over twenty new tasks. The online resources
have been expanded to include test banks, an instructor manual, and a
substantial Study Guide. This is the most fundamental and easy-to-use
introduction to the study of language.