What's a good Linguistics textbook?

In summary, the conversation suggests that the "The Language Instinct" by Stephen Pinker is a good option for an introductory linguistics textbook. Another recommended book is "Godel Escher Bach" by Hofstadter, although it may be more challenging to read. The final recommendation is to consider the level of depth and complexity desired in a linguistics book.
  • #1
Shackleford
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2
I'd like to find a good intro. or whatever Linguistics textbook I can buy online. Thanks.
 
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  • #2
Anyone?
 
  • #3
The summer Linguistics 1 course at my university uses "The Langauge Instinct" by Stephen Pinker.
 
  • #4
Math Is Hard said:
The summer Linguistics 1 course at my university uses "The Langauge Instinct" by Stephen Pinker.

I wouldn't call that book a textbook, but it is a good read for anyone interested in language.

One of the best books I have read that deals with language somewhat obliquely but profoundly is "Godel Escher Bach" by Hofstadter. That one is most definitely not a textbook on linguistics but it is another excellent read for someone interested in linguistics. It is not an easy read though unless one is quite good at math.

Past that, it depends on what you want. You can go deeply into the math or have a more hand waving superficial read.
 
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  • #5
wildman said:
I wouldn't call that book a textbook, but it is a good read for anyone interested in language.

I probably wouldn't call it a "textbook" either, but if the University of California Academic Senate deems it as appropriate for as a textbook for a beginning linguistics course, I think it's a decent recommendation.
 

1. What is the best Linguistics textbook for beginners?

The best Linguistics textbook for beginners is subjective and may vary based on personal preferences. However, some popular choices among linguistics students include "An Introduction to Linguistics" by Andrew Radford, "Language Files" by Ohio State University, and "The Study of Language" by George Yule.

2. Which Linguistics textbook covers a wide range of topics?

Some Linguistics textbooks that cover a wide range of topics include "Introducing Linguistics" by R.L. Trask, "Contemporary Linguistics" by William O'Grady, and "Language: Its Structure and Use" by Edward Finegan.

3. What is the best Linguistics textbook for syntax?

Some popular textbooks for studying syntax include "The Syntax Workbook" by Andrew Carnie, "Syntactic Theory: A Formal Introduction" by Ivan Sag, and "An Introduction to Syntactic Theory" by Robert D. Van Valin Jr.

4. Which Linguistics textbook is best for learning about phonetics and phonology?

For studying phonetics and phonology, some recommended textbooks include "Phonetics: Transcription, Production, Acoustics, and Perception" by Henning Reetz and Allard Jongman, "Introducing Phonetics and Phonology" by Mike Davenport and S.J. Hannahs, and "The Sounds of Language: An Introduction to Phonetics and Phonology" by Elizabeth C. Zsiga.

5. What is the best Linguistics textbook for understanding language acquisition?

For studying language acquisition, some popular choices include "The Language Instinct" by Steven Pinker, "How Children Learn Language" by William O'Grady, and "Linguistics: An Introduction to Language and Communication" by Adrian Akmajian.

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