"How Language Works is not about music, cookery, or sex. But it is about how we talk about music, cookery, and sex-or, indeed, anything at all." Language is so fundamental to everyday life that we take it for granted. But as David Crystal makes clear in this work of unprecedented scope, language is an extremely powerful tool that defines the human species. Crystal offers general readers a personal tour of the intricate workings of language. Broad and deep, but with a light and witty touch, How Language Works is the ultimate layman's guide to how we communicate with one another.
Multicultural Children In the Early Years: Creative Teaching, Meaningful Learning
The authors explore the experiences of a group of young mulitcultural, bilingual children and their parents through the beginning of the early years of their school careers. They examine the attempts of teachers to teach creatively within the constraints of a prescribed curriculum, and the meanings the children attached to their learning.
This all-new guide to english is designed to be user-friendly. Its innovative A-to-Z dictionary format lets you find the answers to your questions about grammar, punctuation, and preferred usage quickly and easily. Simply look up the problem areas as you would look up a word in the dictionary. It's just that simple and time-saving. A glossary of terms and plentiful cross-references offer even more help when you need it. Created by a leading expert in linguistics and lexicography. Covers all essential areas of grammar and style. A key word index for fast access..
Explaining Individual Differences in Reading: Theory and Evidence
Research into reading development and reading disabilities has been dominated by phonologically guided theories for several decades. In this volume, the authors of 11 chapters report on a wide array of current research topics, examining the scope, limits and implications of a phonological theory. The chapters are organized in four sections. The first concerns the nature of the relations between script and speech that make reading possible, considering how different theories of phonology may illuminate the implication of these relations for reading development and skill.
The Age Factor in Second Language Acquisition: A Critical Look at the Critical Period Hypothesis
Assembles a variety of perspectives on the age factor in second language acquistion through all of which runs the common thread of certain scepticism with regard to absolutist version of the idea that there is a particular maturational stage beyond which language learning is no longer possible.
