The English Language: An Owner's Manual [Paperback]

Lee Thomas (Author), Stephen Tchudi (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0205274595 | ISBN-13: 978-0205274598 | Publication Date: October 2, 1998 | Edition: 1

Can it ever be fun to learn about grammar? IsnÕt that an oxymoron? But how about the historical traditions behind grammar? What is the purpose of grammar? How does modern grammar differ from yesterdayÕs grammar? Allowing individuals to actually think about the way they speak and the aspects which comprise their everyday language is perhaps the most basic and most effective way to begin language analysis. By drawing on the daily use of language, this book explores the cultural significance of so-called "traditional" grammar as a set of tools and terms; and gives readers a basic understanding of the modern linguistic view of language as a rule-governed system. The focus throughout is on language analysis that readers will find both relevant and interesting. Language is explored as a system of universal qualities, dynamic and transforming and language study as the impetus that pushes people to critically rethink their assumptions about language. Anyone interested in improving their mastery of the English language.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Can it ever be fun to learn about grammar? IsnÕt that an oxymoron? But how about the historical traditions behind grammar? What is the purpose of grammar? How does modern grammar differ from yesterdayÕs grammar? Allowing individuals to actually think about the way they speak and the aspects which comprise their everyday language is perhaps the most basic and most effective way to begin language analysis. By drawing on the daily use of language, this book explores the cultural significance of so-called "traditional" grammar as a set of tools and terms; and gives readers a basic understanding of the modern linguistic view of language as a rule-governed system.

The focus throughout is on language analysis that readers will find both relevant and interesting. Language is explored as a system of universal qualities, dynamic and transforming and language study as the impetus that pushes people to critically rethink their assumptions about language. Anyone interested in improving their mastery of the English language.

Product Details

• Paperback: 369 pages
• Publisher: Longman; 1 edition (October 2, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0205274595
• ISBN-13: 978-0205274598
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #678,866 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good read, February 21, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: The English Language: An Owner's Manual (Paperback)

It isn't dry, which makes most other texts so laborious to go through & study. It had to be planned this way because it was well thought out in this manner. This is not only a text on language and/or grammar - it's also insightful on psychology, sociology & philosophy. It purposefully has thought-provoking exercises throughout. This text was used in my English grammar class. It was lent to me so that I didn't have to buy it new (lots of expense on texts at the beginning of semesters)- but I couldn't find anyone willing to sell theirs(here)-they all wanted to keep their copy. To me that says alot, there are a lot of textbooks that you see that are resold & resold after the semesters are over, but this book wasn't ever included the timeS I was looking for it.