Studying the English language

How do dialects and accents affect our identity? Do men and women speak English differently? What do slips of the tongue reveal about language? How has English changed during its history? Studying the English Language answers these questions and many more, providing a thorough and critical introduction to a fascinating language and its diversity. Organised into fifteen thematic chapters, each of which can be read at one sitting, the book explains key issues and ideas in a simple jargon-free way with reference to linguistic theory and research, and to historical and cultural contexts. Rob Penhallurick's clear and lively guide introduces the reader to contemporary use of the English language, to its history and pre-history, and to language studies today. It is the ideal companion for all those new to the study of the language, and is essential reading for anyone with a general interest in the subject.