Covers a wide range of language areas, using an activity-based approach with worked examples based on contemporary texts.
Working with Texts (co-author)
Analysing language
Working with Texts is an introduction to language analysis. It looks closely at the different ways spoken and written language can be analysed, and covers a range of language areas with an interactive, activity-based approach. It contains a wealth of language data, worked analysis and suggestions for further analysis. It is an ideal text for people starting A-Level study of English Language or undergraduates who are new to linguistics and language study.
Working with Texts considers texts at all the levels of language:
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Signs: the visual aspects of the English language
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Sounds: the relationship between sound and meaning, the phonological and phonetic aspects of the English language
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Words and things: the lexical aspects of the English language
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Sentences and structures: the significant patterns of the English language
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Discourse
The power of words
The section Words and Things, written by Danuta Reah, explores the origins of the word-stock of English from Old English to the present day. It looks at the influence of social, technological and political change on the vocabulary of English and the new varieties that are arising in a society that is undergoing massive change; varieties such as Multicultural English. It also looks at the way word choice can reflect social attitudes and social change, and the way in which word choices, even between synonyms can fundamentally affect the meaning of a text.