Overview

Full Product Details

9780198817833

Table of Contents

Reviews

Too many linguists are afraid to pose the question that makes up the title of this book. Like people, languages are different, and each has its own strengths and weaknesses; some are harder to figure out, and some are relatively easy. Dixon illustrates these facts in a very clear and engaging manner, using examples from a wide variety of languages from around the world, and though delightful anecdotes taken from his fifty years of experience in the field. This is a book based in linguistic reality, not linguistic theory. * Aaron D. Rubin, Pennsylvania State University * The (in)equality of languages is certainly one of the most vexing issues in modern linguistics. This book effectively challenges some common views on language, ranging from those pertaining to feelings of western cultural superiority to the 'politically correct' convictions prevalent among traditional academic circles. The author offers a balanced and well-informed discussion of the issue and draws from a lifelong research experience with languages of all types, spoken in situations that can differ dramatically. A very refreshing approach that will keep the reader fascinated. * Willem F. H. Adelaar, Leiden University * A veritable compendium of linguistics, a collection of concise but detailed information about the essential components of human languages. It is written in an accessible, enjoyable, and refreshingly clear style. It also brings many other important questions into focus, for example, the varying extents to which speakers of diverse tongues make use of the vast potential resources of human language. * Lars Johanson, Language *

Too many linguists are afraid to pose the question that makes up the title of this book. Like people, languages are different, and each has its own strengths and weaknesses; some are harder to figure out, and some are relatively easy. Dixon illustrates these facts in a very clear and engaging manner, using examples from a wide variety of languages from around the world, and though delightful anecdotes taken from his fifty years of experience in the field. This is a book based in linguistic reality, not linguistic theory. * Aaron D. Rubin, Pennsylvania State University * The (in)equality of languages is certainly one of the most vexing issues in modern linguistics. This book effectively challenges some common views on language, ranging from those pertaining to feelings of western cultural superiority to the 'politically correct' convictions prevalent among traditional academic circles. The author offers a balanced and well-informed discussion of the issue and draws from a lifelong research experience with languages of all types, spoken in situations that can differ dramatically. A very refreshing approach that will keep the reader fascinated. * Willem F. H. Adelaar, Leiden University * < A veritable compendium of linguistics, a collection of concise but detailed information about the essential components of human languages. It is written in an accessible, enjoyable, and refreshingly clear style. It also brings many other important questions into focus, for example, the varying extents to which speakers of diverse tongues make use of the vast potential resources of human language. * Lars Johanson, Language *

< A veritable compendium of linguistics, a collection of concise but detailed information about the essential components of human languages. It is written in an accessible, enjoyable, and refreshingly clear style. It also brings many other important questions into focus, for example, the varying extents to which speakers of diverse tongues make use of the vast potential resources of human language. * Lars Johanson, Language * The (in)equality of languages is certainly one of the most vexing issues in modern linguistics. This book effectively challenges some common views on language, ranging from those pertaining to feelings of western cultural superiority to the 'politically correct' convictions prevalent among traditional academic circles. The author offers a balanced and well-informed discussion of the issue and draws from a lifelong research experience with languages of all types, spoken in situations that can differ dramatically. A very refreshing approach that will keep the reader fascinated. * Willem F. H. Adelaar, Leiden University * Too many linguists are afraid to pose the question that makes up the title of this book. Like people, languages are different, and each has its own strengths and weaknesses; some are harder to figure out, and some are relatively easy. Dixon illustrates these facts in a very clear and engaging manner, using examples from a wide variety of languages from around the world, and though delightful anecdotes taken from his fifty years of experience in the field. This is a book based in linguistic reality, not linguistic theory. * Aaron D. Rubin, Pennsylvania State University *

Author Information

R. M. W. Dixon is Adjunct Professor and Deputy Director of the Language and Culture Research Centre at James Cook University. He has written extensively on a number of Australian and Amazonian languages, as well as on ergativity, semantics, and English grammar. His many books include The Rise and Fall of Languages (CUP 1997), Basic Linguistic Theory (OUP 2010-2), Making New Words (OUP 2014), and Edible Gender, Mother-in-Law Style, and Other Grammatical Wonders (OUP 2015). Dixon's academic biography I am a Linguist was published by Brill in 2011.

Tab Content 6

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

Countries Available