An Introduction to Language [Paperback]

Victoria Fromkin (Author), Robert Rodman (Author), Nina Hyams (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2010 | ISBN-10: 1428263926 | ISBN-13: 978-1428263925 | Edition: 9

Assuming no prior knowledge of linguistics, AN INTRODUCTION TO LANGUAGE, Ninth Edition, is appropriate for a variety of fields--including education, languages, psychology, anthropology, English, and teaching English as a Second Language (TESL)--at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. This completely updated edition retains the clear descriptions, humor, and seamless pedagogy that have made the text a perennial best-seller, while adding new information and exercises that render each topic fresh, engaging, and current.

Product Details

• Paperback: 640 pages
• Publisher: Wadsworth Publishing; 9 edition (January 1, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1428263926
• ISBN-13: 978-1428263925
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #13,790 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars appallingly overpriced, August 13, 2010

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Kristin Lems "Kristin/*" (Chicago) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: An Introduction to Language (Paperback)

It's excellent, definitive, engaging, and all that -- but, speaking as a professor who needs to assign a textbook for a 10 week course in linguistics, how can I justify this kind of expense for my students? A paperback - over $100?? Come on people, get reasonable, and it will help this great book truly compete with lesser, more affordable titles!

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Introduction, December 28, 2011

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S. Dardon "shadowwriter" (CALI) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: An Introduction to Language (Paperback)

This is a very good introduction to theoretical linguistics and its subdisciplines. Some of the concept are somewhat difficult, but it's nothing that a good re-read can't fix. It covers all the components that make up linguistics i.e. phonology, syntax, etc. but it also adds some cool chapters on language and the brain, language change, and psycholinguistics which are all plusses in my book. This textbook provides good cartoons to illustrate some key points,the exercises are good for beginner's (perhaps some too easy) and the authors provide some really good suggested readings although some might the suggestions insanely difficult to read even after reading this book (for example, after reading the chapter on syntax, it suggests you read Chomsky's minimalist program. If this is the student's first introduction to syntax, then I really doubt they could tackle that book). All in all, I think its a perfect book to use in an introductory language class. The only problem I have with this book is its price. Way too expensive!!!

3.0 out of 5 stars Chapters are out of order!, September 6, 2011

By 

LindsayMae85 - See all my reviews

This review is from: An Introduction to Language (Paperback)

I ordered this book for a linguistics class, and the information in the book is fine, easy to read, etc. But the chapters are out of order! There are several other people in my class who are having this problem. The first chapter should be The Nature of Language, but in my book it is Brain and Language. It caused me to be very confused in class, and also to do the wrong exercises at the end of the chapter. I now know I'm supposed to read chapter 6 instead of chapter one, but this is really screwy and frustrating. I just wanted to inform and warn anyone who is also confused.