An Introduction to English Language

Refreshed and updated, the fifth 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. Packed full of exercises to help consolidate learning, and 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
- New and improved exercises
- Revised further reading lists.
The book is divided into three parts, with succinct overviews and clearly-defined learning outcomes at the start of each section, followed by glossaries of technical terms at the end. It is also accompanied by a wealth of online resources, including downloadable PowerPoints, MP3 audio files, MP4 video lectures, and quizzes, further supporting readers in achieving their goals.

Koenraad Kuiper holds a PhD from Simon Fraser University in Vancouver and a DSc from the University of Canterbury. He is the author of ten books and editor of seven. He has also written numerous journal articles and book chapters. He has taught first year English language courses for four decades and is the recipient of the University of Canterbury's teaching medal. He has held two Fulbright Fellowships and a Fellowship at the Netherlands Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities and Social Science.
Born and brought up in Scotland, W. Scott Allan attained his MA and PhD in English language and linguistics at Edinburgh University, where he subsequently taught briefly before moving to New Zealand in 1985. He published in a wide range of journals and was on the executive editorial board for The Encyclopedia of Language and Linguistics (R.E. Asher, Pergamon Press, 1994). Scott lectured in the Department of Applied Language Studies and Linguistics at the Auckland University until his death in 2004.

1. Introduction: What is a Language?
Part I: Words
2. The Form and Function of Words
3. Word Meanings and Vocabularies
Part II: Sounds
4. Speech Sounds
5. The Phonology of English
6. Syllables and Suprasegmentals
Part III: Sentences
7. The Structure of Simple Sentences
8. Complex Syntax
9. Pragmatics
Further Exercises
Glossary
Further Reading
Answers to Exercises
Index