The first glossary to cover the theories, debates, concepts, problems and philosophers within the philosophy of language in one volume. This essential reference tool, written in a language accessible to beginners and non-specialists alike, provides concise and precise entries on all the relevant key terms and issues. It includes extensive cross-references which indicate the contexts of each entry, and can be used to deepen understanding of any given topic. Philosophy of Language A-Z offers clear and thorough guidance on how to negotiate the complexities of the philosophy of language.

Philosophy of Language introduces the non-specialist to the main issues and theories in twentieth-century philosophy of language, focusing specifically on linguistic phenomena. Part I explores several theories of how proper names, descriptions, and other terms bear a referential relation to non-linguistic objects. Part II surveys competing theories of linguistic meaning and compares their various advantages and liabilities. Part III introduces the basic concepts of linguistic pragmatics, includes a detailed discussion of the problems of indirect force, and Part IV examines linguistic theories of metaphor.