Thinking About Language: Theories of English (Perspectives on the English Language, 7)

This core textbook exposes students to the key theories, ideas and assumptions which underpin language study. Enlivened by a wealth of debates from across the field, it provides an accessible and engaging introduction to the history of linguistic theory and the variety of theoretical approaches to language study. Balancing theory with application, the first few chapters present an overview of the key issues in language theory, while later chapters focus on the application of language theory and serve as a starting point for readers to investigate various approaches for themselves. Written in response to the needs of teachers of English language undergraduates, this is an ideal volume for all students studying English language, whether as a single subject or as part of a more general degree programme. Cover Half Title Title Copyright Contents Series Preface Acknowledgements Introduction Part I Introducing Language Theory 1 Theory in Language Study 1.1 Types of data 1.2 Types of theory 1.3 Further reading 2 Language is . . . 2.1 Language is a type of behaviour 2.2 Language is a state of mind 2.3 Language is communication 2.4 Further reading Part II Applying Language Theory 3 How do Words Work? 3.1 Introduction 3.2 Direct reference 3.3 Focus on Frege 3.4 Connotation and denotation 3.5 Use and mention 3.6 Further reading 4 How does Language Relate to the World? 4.1 Introduction 4.2 Correspondence 4.3 Truth-conditional meaning 4.4 Analytic and synthetic sentences 4.5 Focus on verification 4.6 Further reading 5 Is Language Like a Code? 5.1 Introduction 5.2 Sign systems 5.3 Peirce’s theory of signs 5.4 Focus on Saussure 5.5 Signs and intentions 5.6 Further reading 6 How is Language Related to Thought? 6.1 Introduction 6.2 ‘Thinking in words’ 6.3 The language of thought 6.4 Focus on Determinism 6.5 Figurative thinking 6.6 Further reading 7 How does Context Affect Meaning? 7.1 Introduction 7.2 ‘Meaning is use’ 7.3 Focus on speech acts 7.4 Deixis 7.5 Ambiguity 7.6 Further reading 8 Is Language Logical? 8.1 Introduction 8.2 ‘Natural language is messy and imperfect’ 8.3 ‘Logic is the wrong tool for the job’ 8.4 Focus on Russell versus Strawson 8.5 ‘Logic can’t do the whole job by itself’ 8.6 Further reading 9 How do Children Learn Language? 9.1 Introduction 9.2 Learning as imitation 9.3 Focus on Chomsky’s response to Skinner 9.4 Child-directed speech 9.5 Functional learning 9.6 Further reading 10 A Final Thought: Do Other Animals have Language? Further reading Bibliography Index Pt. I. Introducing Language Theory -- 1. Theory In Language Study -- 2. Language Is ... -- Pt. Ii. Applying Language Theory -- 3. How To Words Work? -- 4. How Does Language Relate To The World? -- 5. Is Language Like A Code? -- 6. How Is Language Related To Thought? -- 7. How Does Context Affect Meaning? -- 8. Is Language Logical? -- 9. How To Children Learn Language? -- 10. A Final Thought : Do Other Animals Have Language? Siobhan Chapman. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 164-168) And Index. Considers the ideas and theories underpinning language study. This work introduces debates and disputes on the way that human language works. It provides an introduction to the history of linguistic theory, the variety of different theoretical approaches to language study, and to the state of the subject. 'Thinking About Language' considers the ideas and theories underpinning language study. Providing a good balance between theory and application, it encourages students to begin thinking about ways of seeing language and introduces past debates and current disputes on the way that human language works