Thinking Linguistically - by Maya Honda & Wayne O'Neil (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Thinking Linguistically is a unique and clearly written introduction to the nature of linguistic analysis and issues in language acquisition. The book is for undergraduate and graduate students in linguistics, education, and psychology.

Through twenty problem sets, based in languages not only from the Americas but from other continents as well, Thinking Linguistically

- Initiates students to the linguists' way of observing and analyzing data by making the methods and the process of inquiry visible and accessible.
- Engages students in analyzing the breadth and depth of two phenomena in a variety of languages--the expression of noun phrase plurality and the formation of questions.
- Integrates analysis of these phenomena with results from first and second language acquisition research.
- Emphasizes the interface between phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics.
- Exemplifies how linguistic analysis can be used for the teaching of critical thinking, problem solving, and the nature of scientific inquiry in general.
- Is ideal for future language teachers for understanding acquisition and linguistic phenomena

From the Back Cover

Thinking Linguistically investigates knowledge of the structure of language and teaches students how to pursue serious, scientific inquiry by doing linguistics. Problem sets, primarily focused on NP pluralization and question formation across languages, are integrated into the text in order to guide students through the formulation and evaluation of hypotheses on the basis of linguistic data. Acquisition of the linguistic phenomena of the problem sets is also examined. Developed by two experienced teachers specifically for introductory courses on linguistics and language acquisition, this book enables students to reach conclusions about questions of linguistics while also understanding the reasoning and methodology behind them.

Review Quotes

"If you are a veteran linguist or linguistics teacher, this book will propel you back to what first captivated you about linguistic inquiry. If you are new to the field, this textbook is a delightful laboratory manual for thinking linguistically." (The Modern Language Journal, autumn 2010)

About the Author

Maya Honda is Associate Professor of Human Development at Wheelock College. Her work includes Understanding First and Second Language Acquisition (with Wayne O'Neil, 2004) and papers in Noam Chomsky: Critical Assessments (1994) and The View from Building 20 (1993).

Wayne O'Neil is Professor of Linguistics at MIT. His publications include The Generative Study of Second Language Acquisition (edited with Suzanne Flynn and Gita Martohardjono, 1998) and Image, Language, Brain (edited with Alec Marantz and Yasushi Miyashita, 2000).