Palgrave Macmillan. 2003. — 249 pages. — ISBN: 1403901066
Intended primarily for newcomers to the subject, but with new material designed to help the more advanced reader, How to Study Linguistics is written in a refreshing and engaging style. It assumes no prior knowledge and contains many useful suggestions for developing a secure understanding of the subject. Chapters discuss strategies for studying phonology, syntax, and semantics, and for pursuing branches of linguistics, such as sociolinguistics, stylistics, and psycholinguistics, as well as practical advice on writing essays. The book also includes a glossary to aid learning and revision.
Beginning LinguisticsThe Linguistic ContextLanguage and competence
The functions of language
Final summary
Studying SoundIntroduction: the nature of sound
Approaching speech sounds
Sounds and the alphabet
Developing a phonemic alphabet
The phonemic alphabet
Sounds in connected speech
Final summary
Studying SyntaxIntroduction: beginning syntax
Formalist approaches to syntax
Functional approaches to syntax
Conclusion and final summary
Studying MeaningIntroduction: the problem of ‘meaning’
Studying semantics
Studying pragmatics
Final conclusion and summary
Studying Linguistics FurtherStudying more sound
Studying more syntax
Studying more meaning
Studying linguistic branches
How to Write a Linguistics Essay