Canada Institute of Linguistics
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Title Languages of the world:
an introduction.
Author(s) Pereltsvaig, Asya.
Local Call Num. P 371 .P4443 2012
ISBN 978-0-521-17577-7
0-521-17577-1
Status This item is currently IN the library.
Pages xvii, 278 p.
Publishing Info New York, NY Cambridge University Press. 2012
Loan Type/Days REG-Regular / This item may circulate for 21 Days
Department MIS-Miscellaneous
Media BK-Book
Subjects Language and languages--Study and teaching.
Multilingualism.
 
Description ill., maps; 25 cm.
Includes bibliographical references (p. 260-270), glossary and indexes.

Summary: "What do all human languages have in common and in what ways are they different? How can language be used to trace different peoples and their past? Are certain languages similar because of common descent or language contact? Assuming no prior knowledge of linguistics, this textbook introduces readers to the rich diversity of human languages, familiarizing students with the variety and typology of languages around the world. Linguistic terms and concepts are explained, in the text and in the glossary, and illustrated with simple, accessible examples. Eighteen language maps and numerous language family charts enable students to place a language geographically or genealogically. A supporting website includes additional language maps and sound recordings that can be used to illustrate the peculiarities of the sound systems of various languages. ’Test yourself’ questions throughout the book make it easier for students to analyze data from unfamiliar languages"-- Provided by publisher.

Contents: Machine generated contents note: 1. Introduction; 2. Indo-European languages; 3. Non-Indo-European languages of Europe and India; 4. Languages of the Caucasus; 5. Languages of North Africa, Middle East, and Central Asia; 6. Languages of sub-Saharan Africa; 7. Languages of eastern Asia; 8. Languages of the South Sea islands; 9. Aboriginal languages of Australia and Papua New Guinea; 10. Native languages of the Americas; 11. Macro families; 12. Pidgins, Creoles and other mixed languages.