We use language everyday in every aspect of our lives, whether at school, work, or home, with friends, colleagues or family. The ability to use language is so important that it defines what makes us human. Yet what is language? And how does it work? In this introduction to language, Peter Sharpe answers a series of questions about language to show its inner workings. Drawing on expertise from many disciplines, he examines the origins of language, how language produces meaning, the variation of language across cultures, how language is used in society, and whether or not there is a "correct" way to use language. Discussion questions at the end of each chapter, and signposts for further reading make this the essential introduction to language for inquisitive readers and undergraduates.

Language is an essential part of our everyday lives. In this essential introduction Peter Sharpe delves into the inner workings of language, to illustrate its use, variation and methodology.

About the Author
Peter Sharpe is Professor in the Department of English at Takushoku University, Japan.

Reviews
"Language: The Big Picture is an ambitious work, ranging over vast territory in just over 250 pages. As such, it demands close attention even on the part of the professional language scholar." Charles de Wolf.



Book Information
ISBN 9780826498151
Author Peter Sharpe
Format Paperback
Page Count 272
Imprint Continuum International Publishing Group Ltd.
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing PLC