Guide to Intro Linguistics: Find the Perfect Textbook

AI Thread Summary
A user seeks recommendations for an introductory linguistics textbook due to scheduling conflicts with their physics degree. Suggestions include a specific book available online, which offers guidance and practice but may have outdated perspectives. The discussion highlights the importance of exploring multiple sources for a well-rounded understanding. Another recommended author is noted for their engaging content, and a user expresses interest in a theoretical linguistics book by Fromkin. Jespersen's work is mentioned as a rich, albeit challenging, resource for those interested in language. The conversation also touches on the need to clarify personal goals for studying linguistics, whether for research, understanding, or intellectual curiosity. Finally, a standard introductory text used in top programs is recommended, emphasizing its relevance for serious learners.
Shackleford
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I'm looking for a good introductory linguistics textbook. Unfortunately, I'm not able to squeeze a class into my physics degree. Thanks for any recommendations.
 
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If you are studying on your own, http://books.google.com/books?id=DObARq3r9MoC" will give you plenty of guidance and practice. The authors have their biases and favorite theories, and the book is from 2001, so you will want to browse other books and journals for a broader and updated perspective, but this will do a lot to help you develop the tools to branch out.

Anything by http://bloch.ling.yale.edu/" seemed cool from the little I read of his.
 
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Shackleford said:
Do you know if this is a good book, too?

http://product.half.ebay.com/Language_W0QQtgZinfoQQprZ57203635
Nope. I've never seen it and couldn't find any excerpts.

What do you want to get out of the book? Do you want to do research in linguistics? Do you want a better understanding of language? Do you want some interesting ideas or problems to think about?
 
honestrosewater said:
Nope. I've never seen it and couldn't find any excerpts.

What do you want to get out of the book? Do you want to do research in linguistics? Do you want a better understanding of language? Do you want some interesting ideas or problems to think about?

Well, it's more for intellectual curiosity. I read the first few pages of the Fromkin book online, and I'm probably going to go that route. It describes itself as being a theoretical linguistics book, which coincidentally appeals to me the most.
 
Cool. Come back if you have questions. I still have that book.

If you want to hear some interesting things about language, try to get your hands on Jespersen's http://books.google.com/books?id=1WcXVIgc2bUC". It is not an introduction or an easy read (its being a century old doesn't help). But it is full of jewels.
 
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honestrosewater said:
Cool. Come back if you have questions. I still have that book.

If you want to hear some interesting things about language, try to get your hands on Jespersen's http://books.google.com/books?id=1WcXVIgc2bUC". It is not an introduction or an easy read (its being a century old doesn't help). But it is full of jewels.
Thank you, you share.
I want download and read it in home, can I download it ?
 
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Sorry I don't see the book must buy before downloadd
 
The std intro text at Stanford and other top linguistic programs is by O'Grady, Archibald, Aronoff and Rees-Miller, Contemporary Linguistics: An Introduction.
 

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