Linguistics For Dummies

I'm new to linguistics, so far it's a fun hobby. I found this book very clear in its explanations and introduced all the various areas in linguistics. I found the part on languages moving from speaking to being written particularly intriguing. It brought me down a new path to further study: how writing systems evolved along with languages.

I find the Dummies books to be hit or miss. With this one, it is definitely a hit! What a wonderful introduction to the world of lingusitics. Thorough but easy to read. Incredibly informative. Well organized. For me, it's a quick reference book for concepts that I don't use as often, but if I were to teach an introductory course, I would use this book rather than the $100+ textbook options out there.

I love the book. Absolutely no complaints there. But I thought that I was buying a new one, and it definitely came with lot's of wear and markings inside the book.

This was a very enjoyable introduction, with enough depth to introduce a broad range of linguistic concepts. Linguistics is a very broad discipline, and in some places it seemed like things were being glossed over quickly; what choice is there with a book like this. At times I was happy there was not more depth; I got my introduction, and I'm just not interested in going further. This is a perfect launching point for exploration, and it seems it could make a fine textbook for an introductory college course.

A great book for starting your journey in linguistics. I highlighted key terms in the book which I will google to learn more on. This book didn’t speak about languages other than English very much which was disappointing but other than that I would recommend it.

This is our official textbook for our Introduction to Linguistics class at ISU. Our teacher explicitly stated that, of all the proper textbooks and materials, this was the most concise and consistent he could find. Many other books have stances on topics that others don't agree with, but this one presents different viewpoints in a comprehensive and non-biased way. And since this is so cheap, my instructor was even more excited to use it. After using this for a few months I can completely agree with him. It's fun to read and it explains everything well using great examples. I would recommend this over a textbook any day.

Linguistics is a field that has created its own special vocabulary and there is a need for a book like this to translate the content and ideas for the layman.

I bought this to help me study for my graduate test in linguistics. However, it turned out that I really didn't need this book because I knew it all! I was hoping to use it to help me to study and reinforce, but this book is really for those who might be interested in studying linguistics or those who need a bit of background info. They don't go terribly far into detail, but that's what makes it so easy to read and understand.

So I'm studying this at uni soon, and i found this is a great introductory resource for those of us looking to explore the fascinating field of linguistics. The book provides a clear and accessible overview of key linguistic concepts and terminology, making it suitable for beginners. Its Pros: Accessibility: The book is written in a user-friendly style, making complex linguistic concepts easy to understand for those new to the subject. Comprehensive Coverage: It covers a wide range of linguistic topics, from phonetics and syntax to semantics and sociolinguistics, providing readers with a well-rounded introduction to the field. Practical Examples: The inclusion of real-world examples and case studies helps readers apply linguistic concepts to everyday language situations. Reference Material: It serves as a handy reference guide, allowing readers to revisit topics and terminology as needed. Its Cons: Simplification: To maintain accessibility, some complex linguistic theories and debates may be oversimplified, potentially leaving advanced learners wanting more depth. Limited Depth: While it covers many linguistic subfields, it doesn't delve deeply into any one area, which might be disappointing for those seeking in-depth knowledge. Updates: Linguistics is a rapidly evolving field, and the book's information may not be up-to-date with the latest research and developments in the field, depending on its publication date. In conclusion, it's a valuable starting point for people interested in linguistics, providing a solid foundation for further exploration. However, for those looking for more advanced or specialized information, additional resources may be necessary.

awesome price and fast delivery

既に何十冊も出ている"For Dummies"シリーズにとうとう言語学が加わりました。他のラインアップと同様，「おばかさんのための」というタイトルとは裏腹に，きわめてまじめで真っ当な入門書です。「言語学入門」というタイトルで出しても良いくらいです。（日本で例えば「サルでもわかる言語学」という題の本が出版されたとしても，これほど中身の濃い本ではなく，もっと薄っぺらな表面的な入門書になるはずです。） 人間の言語の特質から始まって，音声から言語コミュニケーションにいたるまで，やや大雑把な扱いなのは致し方ないとしても，言語学の入門書としていろいろと出ている月並みな書籍を軽く凌駕するような充実した内容には感心します。この価格でこれだけの情報量なら買うしかありません。 "For Dummies"というタイトルに食わず嫌いを起こしている方たちにも是非とも手にとって欲しい一冊です。

This is a great book for my as a university student and I really think this book is at a good price with good quality.

Some years ago, our holiday guide in Italy told us that she had a degree in linguistics and at that point, we did not even know what that meant. During the restricted activity during the pandemic, we decided to find out more and the Dummies book was the result. Very interesting and informative without boring the backside of us or being so technical that it was confusing. Great book.