| Edition |
First American edition. |
| Description |
324 pages ; 24 cm |
| Summary |
"Everyone likes to think they know a bit about language: There are some words that you simply can't translate into English. The origin of a word tells you how it should be used. A dialect is inferior to a language. The problem is, none of these statements are true. In Don't Believe a Word, linguist David Shariatmadari explodes nine common myths about language and introduces us to some of the fundamental insights of modern linguistics. By the end of this eye- opening tour, readers will understand that grammatical "errors" are in fact the foundation of modern English; that the meaning of a word is not what a dictionary says, but how it's used; and that the difference between what gets labelled a "language" or "dialect" is political, rather than scientific. Don't Believe a Word offers an accessible and thorough introduction to the science behind one of the most essential aspects of our daily life"-- Provided by publisher. |
| Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references (pages 296-314) and index. |
| Contents |
Language is going to the dogs -- A word's origin is its true meaning -- I control what comes out of my mouth -- We can't talk to the animals -- You can't translate this word -- Italian is a language -- What you say is what you mean -- Some languages are better than others -- Language is an instinct. |
| Subject |
Language and languages.
|
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Language and languages -- Origin.
|
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Historical linguistics.
|
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Linguistics.
|
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LANGUAGE ARTS & DISCIPLINES / Linguistics / General.
|
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LANGUAGE ARTS & DISCIPLINES / Grammar & Punctuation.
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LANGUAGE ARTS & DISCIPLINES / Translating & Interpreting.
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Language and languages. (OCoLC)fst00992154
|
| Added Title |
Do not believe a word |
| ISBN |
9781324004257 (hardcover) |
|
1324004258 (hardcover) |
|
9781324004264 (epub) |
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