This bestselling textbook provides an engaging and user-friendly introduction to the study of language. Assuming no prior knowledge of the subject, Yule presents information in bite-sized sections, clearly explaining the major concepts in linguistics – from how children learn language to why men and women speak differently, through all the key elements of language. This fifth edition has been revised and updated with new figures and tables, additional topics, and numerous new examples using languages from across the world. To increase student engagement and to foster problem-solving and critical thinking skills, the book includes thirty new tasks. An expanded and revised online study guide provides students with further resources, including answers and tutorials for all tasks, while encouraging lively and proactive learning. This is the most fundamental and easy-to-use introduction to the study of language.

1. The origins of language
2. Animals and human language
3. The sounds of language
4. The sound patterns of language
5. Word-formation
6. Morphology
7. Grammar
8. Syntax
9. Semantics
10. Pragmatics
11. Discourse analysis
12. Language and the brain
13. First language acquisition
14. Second language acquisition/learning
15. Gestures and sign languages
16. Written language
17. Language history and change
18. Regional variation in language
19. Social variation in language
20. Language and culture
Glossary.