What makes human language unique? Do women speak differently from men? Just what is the meaning of "meaning"? Language: The Basics provides a concise introduction to the study of language. Written in an engaging and entertaining style, it encourages the reader to think about the way language works.

It features:

- chapters on 'Language in Use', 'Attitudes to Language', 'Children and Language' and 'Language, Mind and Brain'
- a section on sign language
- a glossary of key terms
- handy annotated guides to further reading.

Providing an accessible overview of a fascinating subject, this is an essential book for all students and anyone who's ever been accused of splitting an infinitive.

About the Author

R.L. Trask (1994-2004) was the highly regarded Professor of Linguistics at the University of Sussex. His numerous publications included <i.Language: the Basics (1995) and A Dictionary of Phonetics and Phonology (1995).