Thinking Like a Linguist ; An Introduction to the Science of Language

Specifications

Book Description

“Thinking Like a Linguist: An Introduction to the Science of Language” by Jordan B. Sandoval and Kristin E. Denham is likely to be a textbook that provides an introduction to the field of linguistics, offering readers an overview of the scientific study of language. Linguistics is a multidisciplinary field that explores the structure, use, and social aspects of language. Here are some features you might find in the book:

1. Introduction to Linguistics: The book is likely to begin with a broad introduction to the field of linguistics, explaining its goals, scope, and relevance in understanding language as a cognitive and social phenomenon.
2. Core Concepts in Linguistics: The foundational concepts of linguistics are likely to be covered, including phonetics (the study of speech sounds), phonology (sound patterns), morphology (word structure), syntax (sentence structure), semantics (meaning), and pragmatics (language use in context).
3. Language Diversity: The book may explore the diversity of languages spoken around the world, highlighting linguistic differences and similarities. This could involve discussions on language families, language typology, and the study of language variation.
4. Language Acquisition: The process of language acquisition, both in children and adults, may be discussed. This could include insights from psycholinguistics and the study of how individuals learn and use language.
5. Sociolinguistics: An introduction to sociolinguistics may be included, covering topics such as language variation, dialects, multilingualism, and the social factors influencing language use.
6. Language and Culture: The book may discuss the intricate relationship between language and culture, exploring how language reflects and shapes cultural practices, values, and identity.
7. Historical Linguistics: An overview of historical linguistics, which examines language change over time, may be provided. This could involve discussions on language evolution, language families, and linguistic reconstruction.
8. Applied Linguistics: The practical applications of linguistic principles in fields such as education, translation, and language policy may be explored. This could include discussions on language teaching methodologies and language planning.
9. Research Methods in Linguistics: An introduction to research methods used in linguistic studies may be included. This could involve discussions on experimental design, data collection, and data analysis in linguistic research.
10. Case Studies and Examples: The inclusion of case studies, linguistic examples, and real-world applications may be used to illustrate key concepts and theories. This helps students relate theoretical ideas to concrete instances.
11. Critical Thinking in Linguistics: The book may encourage readers to think critically about linguistic phenomena, question assumptions, and engage in linguistic analysis. This could involve exercises and activities that promote analytical thinking.
12. Visual Aids and Illustrations: The use of visual aids, charts, and diagrams may be employed to enhance the understanding of linguistic structures and concepts.
13. Pedagogical Features: To support learning, the textbook may include pedagogical features such as chapter summaries, key terms, review questions, and exercises to reinforce understanding.

It's advisable to check the specific edition you have for the most accurate and detailed information, as the content and features can vary between editions. The features mentioned here are based on common characteristics found in introductory linguistics textbooks.