We are absolutely thrilled to announce that not one, but THREE Bloomsbury Linguistics books are featured in the Times Higher Education's latest textbook round-up! Here are a few highlights, but click on the links beneath each to read the reviews in their full glory:
Multilingualism by John Edwards:
"Textbooks come in all shapes and sizes. Some look like exam revision books; others are packed to the brim with information, running the risk of overwhelming readers on a given subject. This slim volume, broadly on the origins, development and uses of languages, is completely different. Divided into 10 chapters on themes such as language diversity, multilingualism, bridging means across languages, language survival and intervention, it is the most readable textbook I have ever come across... This seemingly light yet profoundly rich book, with its span across the entire language diversity scene, cannot fail to spark enthusiasm.
Who is it for? Everyone who is even remotely interested in language(s) in society. It's as much an informative leisure read as a subject review.
Presentation: Its apparent simplicity, clarity and colourful asides make it an unforgettable reading experience.
Would you recommend it? Unreservedly."
http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/story.asp?sectioncode=26&storycode=421705&featurecode=234
Labov: A Guide for the Perplexed by Matthew J. Gordon:
"Labov makes an apt subject for a volume in Continuum's series Guides for the Perplexed, which seeks to provide concise, undergraduate-level introductions to writers and subjects often perceived to be dauntingly complex. Matthew Gordon's book fulfils the remit admirably, offering an instructive and accessible companion to Labov's work and the variationist approach to language description and change... this guide is a clear success: in keeping a narrow focus on Labov's own research (from his renowned Martha's Vineyard and New York City studies to his engagement with African American Vernacular English and the mapping of current North American dialects), Gordon manages to tell the "life story" of sociolinguistics in a compact and coherent manner.
Who is it for? Any student of linguistics eager to move beyond the standard undergraduate textbook fare of Labov's renowned New York City department-store survey in pursuit of a comprehensive, historically grounded understanding of the place of sociolinguistics in the field of language study.
Presentation: Commendably clear and straightforward.
Would you recommend it? The book would be useful in an upper-level undergraduate general linguistics course or beginning a sociolinguistics course."
http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/story.asp?sectioncode=26&storycode=421758&featurecode=234
Understanding Language: Second Edition by Elizabeth Winkler:
"For an introductory text to be successful it must be clear, captivating and complete. With this second edition of Understanding Language, Elizabeth Winkler manages to incorporate all these key elements while also finding a way to make linguistics fun... While some introductory textbooks in this field can be overwhelming for students, Winkler never fails to keep the reader's attention. Her sense of humour, along with references to The Simpsons, Monty Python and Facebook Chat, all help to make this book highly appealing to the young student reader... For me, this book reaches beyond the expectations of an introductory text. Winkler furnishes the reader with a multifaceted knowledge of linguistics while also providing an enjoyable and engaging read.
Who is it for? It is a useful, comprehensive preparatory text for linguistics students and also a guideline for teachers. Beginners in linguistics and anyone with an interest in the subject will also benefit from this book.
Presentation: Clear, comprehensive and dynamic.
Would you recommend it? Absolutely."
http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/story.asp?sectioncode=26&storycode=421759&featurecode=234
We really are thrilled with these- it's lovely to see these books being given the recognition they deserve.
Look out for a special blog post from Multilingualism author John Edwards next week.
Best wishes,
Ellena
I am thrilled to bring you a selection of our recent titles (all available for inspection by lecturers), to kick off the new academic year.
First up, the long-awaited second edition of Discourse Analysis: An Introduction, a comprehensive, accessible and widely-used introduction to discourse analysis - essential reading for students encountering the subject for the first time.
This book has already recieved an abundance of outstanding reviews, including the following two endorsements:
'Expanded and updated – still absolutely the best text for teaching and learning about discourse analysis. For the student, Paltridge is clear, comprehensive and – above all – lively and approachable. For the teacher, Paltridge provides unparalleled practical support: a perfectly-structured, semester-long curriculum, exercises, project topics, and teaching materials on the companion website. No-one could ask for more.' Miriam Meyerhoff, Professor of Linguistics, University of Auckland, New Zealand.
‘What is most commendable about this revised and expanded edition is the broadness of its scope, on the one hand, and precise focus on details, on the other. Paltridge uses real life examples of human encounters in contemporary contexts, thus making the text engaging for and relevant to today’s teachers and students. A comprehensive contribution to the educational literature on discourse analysis, the book is equally appealing to beginners and experienced discourse analysts.’ Natasha Artemeva, Associate Professor, School of Linguistics & Language Studies, Carleton University, Canada
Check out an exclusive digital preview of Chapter 5- 'Discourse and Conversation here- http://www.scribd.com/BloomsburyLing.
Next, News Discourse by Monika Bednarek and Helen Caple, which explores the role of language and images in newspaper, radio, online and television news. This clearly written and accessible introduction to news discourse is essential reading for students, lecturers, and researchers in Linguistics, Media/Journalism Studies, and Semiotics.
Don't just take our word for it- endorsements include this from Paul Baker, Lancaster Universtiy, UK: "This clearly written book is a must-have for anyone wanting to conduct linguistic or discursive analysis of news texts. Covering a wide range of approaches, the authors combine a succinct overview of key studies and recent developments in the field with their own analyses of written and spoken texts, images and video footage. The breadth of coverage ensures that the book will be of benefit to students and researchers at all levels of experience."
Click on the 'preview' button above to read an extract.
Finally, the wonderfully colourful Exploding the Creativity Myth by Tony Veale. This book pulls back the curtain on creativity and language, using a wide range of examples to illustrate how we create new ways of saying things.
One of many excellent endorsements comes from Professor Patrick Hanks, Bristol Centre for Linguistics, University of the West of England, UK: 'Exploding the Creativity Myth is an exceptionally lively, readable, and empirically well-founded study of the processes of human linguistic and conceptual creativity. Veale has grasped the essentially analogical nature of creative thought, and shows us how it works and why it is necessary for successful communication. I have rarely enjoyed reading an an academic book so much.'
Read Chapter 5, 'Pimp my Ride' here- http://www.scribd.com/BloomsburyLing.
Click here to request inspection copies of all of the above.
Best wishes,
Ellena
Publishing in November, this is the first accessible single volume introduction and guide to Labov's work.
We have already recieved the following glowing endorsements for this fantastic new coursebook- the first from none other than Peter Trudgill.
‘Yes, William Labov really did establish a whole new academic field when he was a graduate student. And he has remained at the forefront of that field to this day. Matthew Gordon describes how, why, when and where this happened, and explains with great clarity the importance and excitement of it all. It's a remarkable story, and Gordon has really done it justice.’ – Peter Trudgill, University of Agder, Norway.
'Gordon has written a mesmerizing narrative of one of the greatest linguists in the history of the profession, capturing the historical, social, and theoretical significance of Labov’s pioneering studies of language in its social context. It is an invaluable, timeless contribution to understanding the modern development of our discipline.'- Walt Wolfram, North Carolina State University, USA.
Look out for exclusive digital previews later this year, but in the meantime you can find more information on the book here.
Ellena
We have recently published two fantastic new Textbooks, both of which have received excellent endorsements and are now available for inspection!
Up first, Advanced English Grammar, an advanced English grammar that uses linguistic theory and techniques to elucidate and explain the central, crucial issues.
'The book is a breath of fresh air. Unlike many grammars, this one has clearly been written by human beings for human beings. It is accessible, elegant and rigorous, and I will recommend it strongly to my students.' Raphael Salkie, Professor of Language Studies, University of Brighton, UK
Click on the preview button above to read the first chapter and order your inspection copy here.
Next, the fabulous Analyze Anything, which explains how to read, interpret and write about the world around us in a critical and informed way.
'An excellent book about how to develop critical judgement, and a very lively exploration of human understanding. Analyze Anything does what it claims, and it does it with style.' Graeme Harper, Professor of Creative Writing and Director of the Honors College, Oakland University, USA
Again, have a peek at the first chapter above and click here to request an inspection copy.
Best wishes,
Ellena
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