Overview

Learn what language is all about—in an approachable, accessible way

Linguistics For Dummies, 2nd Edition explains the science of language in simple terms, so you can wrap your mind around how human languages are structured and what they reveal about our world. With approachable explanations in this book and coverage of the social nature of language, cognitive language processing, and beyond, this guide a go-to resource.

If you’re in a linguistics class, use this Dummies guide to speed up your study sessions and boost your grade. If not, you’re still in for a fascinating look into what linguists think about—including the key research findings, the impact of AI on language use, and other steps involved in the evolution of words. You’ll be surprised how much power language can have.

Inside:

  • Learn how language started, how new languages form, and how our brains process words
  • Discover what language can teach us about societies, groups, and individuals
  • Gain a clear understanding of essential topics in linguistics, simple and complex
  • Read about key research in linguistics, including how technology is changing language

Linguistics For Dummies, 2nd Edition covers the topics in a typical introductory linguistics class, making it ideal for both students and anyone who wants to teach themselves about the science of language.

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About The Author

Strang Burton, PhD, is an associate professor of teaching in linguistics at the University of British Columbia (UBC).

Amanda Cardoso, PhD, is a lecturer in linguistics at UBC.

Rose-Marie Déchaine, PhD, is a professor in linguistics at UBC.

Garrett Nicolai, PhD, is an assistant professor of teaching in linguistics and the MDS-CL program director at UBC.

Eric Vatikiotis- Bateson, PhD, was a professor and the Canada research chair in the department of linguistics at UBC.

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linguistics for dummies

CHEAT SHEET

Linguistics is the scientific study of human language — covering everything from sounds and sentence structure to meaning, culture, and even computers. This cheat sheet introduces big thinkers like Pāṇini, Saussure, and Chomsky, explores how invented languages like Klingon and Esperanto come to life, and breaks down what working linguists actually do.

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If you’re into linguistics, it’s important to be familiar with the founding linguists. Here are some of the big thinkers — and some of their important ideas — from ancient times to today: Pāṇini (around the 5th century BCE): Not to be confused with the Italian word panini ‘sandwich’ — this guy is famous for developing the first comprehensive and scientific theory of grammar.
Linguistics is the scientific study of human language — covering everything from sounds and sentence structure to meaning, culture, and even computers. This cheat sheet introduces big thinkers like Pāṇini, Saussure, and Chomsky, explores how invented languages like Klingon and Esperanto come to life, and breaks down what working linguists actually do.
The problems posed by linguistics can make you notice really cool things about language. You’ve probably asked yourself these questions without even realizing that they’re linguistic questions. Why is learning a second language so difficult? Why do French and English have so many words in common? Why do dialects exist?
There are about 6,000 human languages currently spoken. You would think that would be enough, but some brave souls feel the need to make up new languages from scratch. These constructed languages are sometimes called conlang and are especially popular in fantasy and science fiction writing and moviemaking. How does linguistics fit into this?
Many linguists are academics — studying languages for their own sake — but a lot of others work for government organizations, including the military, or for nonprofits documenting and revitalizing languages. Still others work for corporations that use linguistics to solve technical problems. Linguists explore all areas of human language.
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