Guide to Intro Linguistics: Find the Perfect Textbook

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding suitable introductory linguistics textbooks for self-study, particularly for someone unable to take a formal class. Participants share recommendations, express preferences, and inquire about specific texts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks recommendations for an introductory linguistics textbook due to constraints in their physics degree.
  • Another participant suggests a specific book, noting its biases and age, while recommending further exploration of other texts and journals for a broader perspective.
  • Participants discuss a specific book link, with one expressing uncertainty about its quality and asking for the intended use of the book.
  • One participant indicates their interest is more for intellectual curiosity and mentions a preference for a theoretical linguistics book.
  • Another participant recommends Jespersen's work, highlighting its historical significance and richness, despite it not being an introductory text.
  • A later post mentions a standard introductory text used in top linguistic programs, providing an additional option for consideration.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on a single recommended textbook, with multiple suggestions and preferences expressed. There is also uncertainty regarding the quality of specific texts mentioned.

Contextual Notes

Some recommendations are based on personal biases and experiences, and there is a recognition of the need for updated perspectives beyond older texts.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in self-studying linguistics, particularly those seeking introductory materials or exploring theoretical aspects of the field.

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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