Title:
The Cambridge encyclopedia of language
Author:
Crystal, David, 1941-
ISBN:
9780521264389
9780521424431
Personal Author:
Publication Information:
Cambridge [Cambridgeshire] ; New York : Cambridge University Press, 1987.
Physical Description:
vii, 472 p. : ill. (some col.) ; 28 cm.
General Note:
Includes indexes.
Contents:
Popular ideas about language -- Language and identity -- The structure of language -- The medium of language : speaking and listening -- The medium of language : writing and reading -- The medium of language : signing and seeing -- Child language acquisition -- Language, brain, and handicap -- The languages of the world -- Language in the world -- Language and communication.
Abstract:
Where did human language come from? How many languages are there? How do we acquire our first language or learn a second one? The highly acclaimed Cambridge Encyclopedia of Language by David Crystal answers these and other questions about language. From hieroglyphics to trucker talk, from Shakespeare in pidgin to sneezing in Tongan, this is a stimulating and richly illustrated guide to the variety, structure, history and theory of language. David Crystal not only conveys the intrinsic fascination of the subject, but also its enormous complexity. The visual dimension of the encyclopedia throws a fresh light on what has traditionally been treated as a non-visual subject, with many drawings, photographs, maps, display boxes and extracts all integrated within the text. In addition, appendices, meticulous cross-referencing and indexing ensure that this is an authoritative work of reference for students, professionals and general readers alike.--Publisher description.
Electronic Access:
Publisher description http://catdir.loc.gov/catdir/enhancements/fy0729/86032637-d.htmlTable of contents only http://catdir.loc.gov/catdir/enhancements/fy0729/86032637-t.html
Table of contents http://www.gbv.de/dms/hbz/toc/ht003048041.pdf
Inhaltsverzeichnis The Cambridge encyclopedia of language