Words in the Mind (Paperback)

~ Jean Aitchison (Author) "'Words glisten. Words irradiate exquisite splendour..." (more)
Key Phrases: Harry Wilson, Ogden Nash, Donald Duckishness (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

‘This very fine book represents state-of-the-art research in a relatively unconventional easy-to-read frame.’ Language <!--end-->

‘If you want to find out about the current state of knowledge concerning language in the brain with the least possible pain, then read this friendly book.’ David Crystal, English Today

Product Description

This book deals with words, and how humans learn them, remember them, understand them, and find the ones they want. In brief, it discusses the structure and content of the human word-store or 'mental lexicon', with particular reference to the spoken language of native English speakers.

The new edition contains substantial additions and revisions, reflecting new developments arising from the tremendous growth of research into the mental lexicon. There are twn new chapters, and others have been considerably expanded. No chapter remains unaltered, and over 300 new references have been added as notes and suggestions for further reading.

The book remains accessible in style, easy to read for both undergraduates and general readers.

• Completely revised in light of new research on the mental lexicon
  
• Widely adopted in its first edition throughout the world
  
• Aitchison is the author of a number of successful and well-reviewed books
  
• A highly informative and accessible account of a central area of research.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell; 2nd edition (September 27, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0631189211
• ISBN-13: 978-0631189213
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 5.8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,261,617 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Very complex topic illustrated in a simple to understand way, March 17, 2010

By	Artybecca (Pittsburgh, PA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Words in the Mind: An Introduction to the Mental Lexicon (Paperback)

We've all had the "the word is on the tip of the tongue but I just can't think of it" experience. This book explains the search for understanding of what exactly is going on in your brain as it learns, stores, and selects words from the huge dictionary in your head. The author takes you through the research in a methodical way, raising and then "testing" various theories, explaining them all in very easy to understand language. As you read it, you'll recognize many of your own slips of the tongue and gain a new understanding of how and why they happen.

1 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Review, July 1, 2003

By	Seán O'Neill (Dublin, Ireland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Words in the Mind: An Introduction to the Mental Lexicon (Paperback)

An amazing book which reveals many truths about the mind. Witty in its demeanour the book is deeper than most philosophies. Help wanted, inquire within.