Introduction to Linguistics

Hidayah, Taufik (2019) Introduction to Linguistics. Pustaka Abadi, Jember. ISBN 978-602-5570-67-4

Text LINGUISTICS.pdf Download (8MB)

Abstract

The following text gives a full introduction to Linguistics. It begins with a discussion on language and its origin as well as linguistics. It turns next to the study of language and how it evolves from traditional grammar to generative linguistics. The next two chapter talks about the study of the distinctive sounds of English (phonology) and the analysis of the structure of English words and their classification (morphology) as well as the classification of English words and their grammatical modification. The next section is taken up with a detailed analysis of English sentence structure (syntax) from a generative perspective. This is followed by an exploration of the meaning of English words (semantics). The text then considers the functions and contexts of language use (pragmatics). Finally, the last chapter of the book discusses about language variations, either user-related variations or use-related variations.
This textbook is addressed to intermediate undergraduate students interested in English Linguistics, including those whose primary area of interest is English as a second language, primary or secondary-school English education, English literature, theoretical and applied linguistics. For this reason, this textbook emphasizes on the theory of linguistics and all the related disciplines under the term linguistics. Furthermore, the text does not assume any background in language or linguistics. Students are required to learn the International
Phonetic Alphabet as well as the technical vocabulary of grammar and linguistics, but all necessary terms and concepts are presented in the text.
Upon completion of this textbook and accompanying workbook, students will have acquired the following:
1. An understanding of the term language and its theory of origin
2. A comprehension on the term linguistics and its development from time to time
3. A knowledge of the sound system of contemporary English;
4. An understanding of the formation of English words and of their grammatical modification;
5. comprehension of the structure of both simple and complex sentences in English;
6. A recognition of complexities in the expression of meaning, on both the word and sentence level;
7. An understanding of the effects of context and function of use upon the structure of the language; and
8. A knowledge on the language variations in real life environment
The textbook is divided into eight chapters. Chapter 1 briefly examines the nature of human language, its origin, and linguistics and its disciplines. Chapter 2 discusses about the development of linguistics from traditional grammar to generative linguistics. The next chapter, chapter 3, studies phonetics, phonology, and the consonant and vowel sounds of English. Chapter 4 explores the internal structure of words, the concept of the morpheme (meaningful unit of a language), and the varied processes of word formation in English. Chapter 5 treats the syntax of the simple and complex sentence, looking at the internal structure of the noun, adjective, adverb, and prepositional phrase, complement structures in the verb phrase. Chapter 6 surveys a number of traditional and structural approaches to word meaning and includes a discussion on sense relations between words. Chapter 7 talks about pragmatics and the role of context and presuppositions. The last chapter, chapter 8, mainly discusses the variations of language that exist in human society. At the end of each chapter, students are also directed to some exercises, problems and task to help them in getting more understanding of the material they read.

Actions (login required)

View Item