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Don't believe a word : the surprising truth about language / David Shariatmadari.
"Everyone likes to think they know a bit about language: There are some words that you simply can't translate into English. The origin of a word tells you how it should be used. A dialect is inferior to a language. The problem is, none of these statements are true. In Don't Believe a Word, linguist David Shariatmadari explodes nine common myths about language and introduces us to some of the fundamental insights of modern linguistics. By the end of this eye- opening tour, readers will understand that grammatical "errors" are in fact the foundation of modern English; that the meaning of a word is not what a dictionary says, but how it's used; and that the difference between what gets labelled a "language" or "dialect" is political, rather than scientific. Don't Believe a Word offers an accessible and thorough introduction to the science behind one of the most essential aspects of our daily life"-- Provided by publisher.
Record details
- ISBN: 9781324004257
- ISBN: 1324004258
- Physical Description: 324 pages ; 24 cm
- Edition: First American edition.
- Publisher: New York, N.Y. : W. W. Norton & Company, 2020.
Content descriptions
| Bibliography, etc. Note: | Includes bibliographical references (pages 296-314) and index. |
| Formatted Contents Note: | Language is going to the dogs -- A word's origin is its true meaning -- I control what comes out of my mouth -- We can't talk to the animals -- You can't translate this word -- Italian is a language -- What you say is what you mean -- Some languages are better than others -- Language is an instinct. |
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| Location | Call Number / Copy Notes | Barcode | Shelving Location | Status | Due Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Homer Public Library | 401 SHA (Text) | 000157243 | Nonfiction | Available | - |