1 The origins of language 1
2 The development of writing 9
3 The properties of language 19
4 Animals and human language 30
5 The sounds of language 40
6 The sound patterns of language 53
7 Words and word-formation processes 63
8 Morphology 74
9 Phrases and sentences: grammar 86
10 Syntax 100
11 Semantics 114
12 Pragmatics 127
13 Discourse analysis 139
14 Language and machines 151
15 Language and the brain 162
16 First language acquisition 175
17 Second language acquisition/learning 190
18 Sign language 202
19 Language history and change 213
20 Language varieties 226
21 Language, society and culture 239
Appendix Suggested answers to study questions 254
References 261
Index 286