This book provides a non-technical introduction to the study of language by focusing on questions such as: Where does language come from? Why don't we all talk the same? Who needs grammar? Suitable for students with no experience of linguistics, this lively introduction to language approaches will encourage students to think.

Introduction.- PART 1: THE ORIGINS AND DEVELOPMENT OF LANGUAGE Where Does Language Come From?.- Why Don't We All Talk the Same?.- Things Ain't What They Used to Be.- Linguistic Relations.- Bee Talk and Monkey Chatter.- PART 2: LANGUAGE STRUCTURES How Do You Spell Accommodation?.- How Many Words Do The Eskimos Use?.- Going On and On: The Never-ending Story.- Primitive Languages?.- Who Needs Grammar?.- Mobile Messages.- PART 3: LANGUAGE AND SOCIETY How Do We Lose Languages and Does It Matter?.- What Shall I Call You?.- Do Women and Men Speak Differently?.- Sexist Language and Linguist Sexism.- What Language Do You Use to Your Grandmother?.- Why Can't People in Birmingham Talk Right?.- PART 4: LANGUAGE, BRAIN AND MIND Why My Feets Hurted?.- Does Bilingualism Rot the Brain?.- Building Another Tongue.- You've Tasted the Whole Worm.- Is Language a Strait Jacket?.- When Language Breaks Down.- PART 5: CONCLUSION Who Cares About Language?.- Index.

'Immensely informative and enjoyable.' - Ian Hancock, Professor of Linguistics, University of Texas at Austin, USA 'An excellent resource.' - April McMahon, Professor of English Language, University of Edinburgh, UK

Answers the questions that nonspecialists often ask about language Wideranging and informative without being too technical Written in an engaging style that combines humour with academic rigour and makes for enjoyable reading