An introduction to English language : word, sound and sentence / Koenraad Kuiper and W. Scott Allan.

Includes index.

Introduction: What is a language? -- Part one. Words -- The form and function of words -- Word meanings and vocabularies -- Part two. Sounds -- Speech sounds -- The phonology of English -- Syllables and suprasegmentals -- Part three. Sentences -- The structure of simple sentences -- Complex syntax -- Pragmatics.

"Refreshed and updated, the 5th edition of this core textbook offers a clear and engaging introduction to the building blocks of the English language, namely its words, sounds and sentences. Assuming no prior knowledge, it combines accessibility with depth, offering detailed explanations of key topics and theories, including variation in vocabularies, the International Phonetic Alphabet and relevance theory in relation to pragmatics. Equipped with examples and illustrations throughout, An Introduction to English Language is essential reading for undergraduate students of English language and linguistics and a valuable resource for students and teachers of English as a second or foreign language. This new edition features: an enhanced text design; updated examples; refreshed illustrations; revised further reading lists. The book is divided into three parts, with succinct learning outcomes at the start of each section, followed by glossaries or technical terms at the end. It is also accompanied by a wealth of online resources, including downloadable PowerPoints, MPR audio files, MP4 video lectures, and quizzes, further supporting readers in achieving their goals"-- Back cover.