Customer Reviews

Language

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So what if it was published in 1935? Bloomfield's "Language" was perhaps the first work of linguistics I ever read, and the principles laid down in it are good and enduring. For linguistics, it's even relatively easy to read, which is saying quite a bit. The emphasis on Amerindian languages may date the text for some readers. I've read the book a number of times, and never without marveling at the treasure house of knowledge it contains. If you have even a passing interest in languages and their development, you should read at least some of Bloomfield.

This book is a true classic, and anyone interested in linguistics and language should have a copy. It should be noted that since it was originally published in the 1930s, some of the information may be out of date, but most of it isn't. The field of linguistics has expanded since then, but this book is still very relevant, especially the parts relating to borrowing, language change, philology, etc. This book is also great in its scope. It's detailed and gives examples, but it reads well and gives a good introduction to a broad field.