Semantics is an accessible and practical introduction to formal semantics, the study of linguistic meaning, for students new to the subject. Semantics:* shows how meanings are built up and interrelated* presupposes very little prior knowledge of grammar or linguistic terminology * includes a glossary of technical terms* provides a progression of exercises with answers given at the back * backs up the activities with short, clear explanations* includes an appendix on sets and functions.

Linguistic Universals

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Linguistic Imperialism (Oxford Applied Linguistics)

This book explores the contemporary phenomenon of English as a world language and sets out to analyze how the language became so dominant and why . . . whereas once Britannia ruled the waves, now it is English which rules them. The British Empire has given way to the empire of English. This book attempts to contribute to an understanding of the ways in which English rules, who makes the rules, and what role the English teaching profession plays in promoting the ‘rules’ of English and the rule of English.

Linguistic Ecology: Language Change and Linguistic Imperialism in the Pacific Rim (The Politics of Language Series)

In Linguistic Ecology, Peter examines the transformation of the Pacific language region under the impact of colonialization, Westernization and modernization. By focusing on the linguistic and sociohistorical changes of the past 200 years, he brings a new dimension to the study of Pacific linguistics, which up until now has been dominated by questions of historical reconstruction and language typology. Mühlhausler focuses on the cultural and historical forces which drive language change, looking at how language ecologies have functioned in the past to sustain language diversity and discussing what happens when these ecologies are disrupted.

Language from the Body: Iconicity and Metaphor in American Sign Language

What is the role of meaning in linguistic theory? Generative linguists have severely limited its influence while cognitivist and functionalist linguists believe that meaning pervades and motivates all levels of linguistic structure. This dispute can now be resolved conclusively by evidence from signed language. Language from the Body rebuts the generativist linguistic theories that separate form and meaning and asserts that iconicity can only be described in a cognitivist framework where meaning can influence form.