Customer Reviews

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

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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.

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.

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.