Everyone knows at least one language, but not everyone has in-depth
knowledge of linguistics-i.e., the study of various aspects of
human language. Sponsored by the Linguistic Society of America,
this informative, entertaining book-a handy introduction for anyone
curious about linguistics-is an excellent example of how experts in
a specialized discipline can transmit their scholarship to the
public sphere. The collection comprises 66 brief essays, grouped
into 12 categories, and works like an FAQ on all things language
related. Writing in a tone that is casual and occasionally funny,
the contributors, recognized authorities on their topics, explain
facets of linguistics in an easy-to-understand way. Readers will
learn about, for example, where foreign accents originate, how
babies learn language, whether texting is affecting English, and
why Noam Chomsky is such a big name in the field. (The last of
these does an excellent job of summarizing Chomsky's major
contributions to linguistics in basic, nontechnical terms.)
Originating as a radio series in 2005, The Five-Minute Linguist was
first published in 2006, ed. by E. M. Rickerson and Barry Hilton
(CH, Jul'07, 44-6071). This latest edition updates essays in the
second edition (2012) and adds new entries on social media, gender
issues, and other contemporary topics. Each entry includes
suggestions for further reading.
Summing Up: Essential. Lower-division undergraduates through
faculty and
professionals; general readers.
CHOICE
Reviews of Previous Editions
An excellent, very accessible, and extremely easy- and fun-to-read
introduction to some of the basic questions (and misconceptions)
regarding language, language learning, and linguistics. The book
clearly meets the editors’ intended goals; with each essay, the
reader is engaged in a five-minute, light and informal conversation
about the passionate topic of language.
Linguist List
This book is for anyone who has a question about languages or the
nature of language—which means just about all of us. But it’s not
just a musty academic text for specialists. While written by
leading experts on the subject of language,The Five-Minute Linguist
is a user-friendly exploration of the basics, a linguistic start-up
kit for general readers. It assumes nothing on your part except
interest in the subject. Its bite-sized chapters (no more than 3-4
pages each) give authoritative answers to the most frequently asked
questions people have about language, and tell the story in a
lively and colloquial style. It is a delightful read.
From the Foreword by Bret Lovejoy, Executive Director, American
Council on the Teaching of Foreign Language
What a gift to those who love language and those who are simply
curious about it. Leading experts each tackle an intriguing
question, and explain it in straightforward, delightful prose. Read
it from cover to cover or keep it by your bed to dip into for
endless fascination.
Deborah Tannen, Professor of Linguistics, Georgetown University,
and author of You Just Don't Understand
This is a marvellous collection of informative, provocative and
stimulating essays. The topics that were selected are both timely,
and timeless, and the essays are sure to pique the curiosity of a
broad range of readers. The material is accessible and the
suggestions for further reading are wonderful pointers to
additional exploration. This collection certainly has my five-star
recommendation.
G. Richard Tucker, Paul Mellon University Professor of Applied
Linguistics, Carnegie Mellon University
...recommended for language majors, and attractive to language
afficionados and mavens. Essential.
Choice
Each of the 66 chapters of the book contributes to the overall
praiseworthiness of the book. While individual chapters were
selected to illustrate particular strengths of the book above,
there is no implication that the other chapters contribute less to
the end product. There are no weak links in the chain, and that is
an impressive feat considering the number of chapters in the book.
There is every reason to believe that this book will be well
received by a wide audience of non-linguists. It is hoped (and
expected) that the readership includes interested individuals in
the general public as well as students in basic social science or
humanities classes where the curriculum has a unit (or units)
calling for an introductory knowledge of language/linguistics.
A very solid work, one which sets out to achieve a very worthy goal
and indisputably succeeds in that effort.
LinguistList
Every Chapter here is a good read. The price of the paperback
edition works out at about 25p per chapter. Well worth the money
for any language practitioner who is involved in professional
development – their own or that of others.
Language Issues
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