The Language Web: The Power and Problem of Words - The 1996 BBC Reith Lectures [Paperback]

Jean Aitchison (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0521574757 | ISBN-13: 978-0521574754 | Publication Date: January 28, 1997

Language is like a vast interconnected spider's web. In this volume Jean Aitchison explores the different facets of this web, ranging from its biological nature and the way in which language is acquired by children to the way the web has aided language evolution. This is the text of the 1996 BBC Reith lectures, with the addition of illustrations, suggestions for further reading and notes. An Afterword looks at the reception of the lectures.

Editorial Reviews

Book Description

Language is like a vast interconnected spider's web. In this volume Jean Aitchison explores the different facets of this web, ranging from its biological nature and the way in which language is acquired by children to the way the web has aided language evolution. This is the text of the 1996 BBC Reith lectures, with the addition of illustrations, suggestions for further reading and notes, and an Afterword looking at the reception of the lectures.

Product Details

• Paperback: 156 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (January 28, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521574757
• ISBN-13: 978-0521574754
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,217,631 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Introductory, but Always Fascinating., September 26, 2004

By 

Todd Havens (Los Angeles, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Language Web: The Power and Problem of Words - The 1996 BBC Reith Lectures (Paperback)

Maybe it helps that I was a linguistics major in college who has all but forgotten what made him declare that as his major to begin with? 'Tis true that the book is more introductory in nature, but it reminded me in the simplest terms of what a miracle language is!

The first chapter in which she defends language change couldn't have been more timely as I have had countless arguments of late with people who insist that American English is deteriorating. I prefer to be descriptive as opposed to proscriptive and so it was comforting to find such an educated ally.

Not an advanced linguistics reference...but that wasn't its raison d'etre. Still a delight to read.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars competent, readable, etc., March 4, 1999

By 

Gak (Michigan, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Language Web: The Power and Problem of Words - The 1996 BBC Reith Lectures (Reith Lectures, 1996.) (Hardcover)

A VERY general and somewhat listless survey of language(but not really linguistics), addressed to BBC listeners. The lectures are obviously better suited to radio, and for audiences with a very casual interest in the subject.

5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting book on language, February 24, 2006

By 

Vanessa (Charlotte, North Carolina) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Language Web: The Power and Problem of Words - The 1996 BBC Reith Lectures (Paperback)

I read this book as an introduction to language for a graduate-level linguistics course. It is both easy and enjoyable to read. Jean Aitchison is very prominent in her field, and, like most people who know what they're talking about, she explains things in a way that doesn't make you feel stupid. I recommend this book for anyone who is interested in language. Aitchison has a great sense of humor that comes out in her writing. I don't think I will be hocking this one.