Language and Culture - Research Assessment

Definitions of terms in the field of linguistics and phonetics.

The Cambridge Encyclopedia of the English Language is one of the publishing phenomena of recent times. Rarely has a book so packed with accurate and well researched factual information been so widely read and popularly acclaimed. It has played a key role in the spread of general interest in language matters, generating further publications and broadcasting events for an avid audience.

This work provides uniquely comprehensive and authoritative information on all aspects of sociolinguistics. Very useful to understand concepts like "pidgin", "creole" and "code-switching"

Provides short and clear definitions of concepts from sociolinguistics. A good resource to get to-the-point definitions of concepts seen in class

This dictionary provides students with explanations of the terms and concepts currently in use in all the major areas of language and linguistics, as well as in the study of the anthropological, neurological, psychological and social aspects of language. It is a straightforward aid in understanding concepts in linguistics, though a bit forbidding due to its liberal use of technical jargon. However, it is recommended to anyone looking for a clear-cut definition of a linguistic concept.

Offers introductory entries on ideas that have shaped the study of language, in linguistics and philosophy, up to the present day.

An accessible reference guide to the work of thinkers who have been critical to the development of the science of linguistics. A good introduction to the thought of people such as Saussure, Bourdieu and Labov

An interesting and useful resource for the etymology in the English language. Can help in many ways to understand the evolution of the English language in relation to other languages and social conditions

Introduces readers to the study of language in real-life social contexts around the world through the contemporary theory and practice of linguistic anthropology. A highly accessible introduction to the study of language in real-life social contexts around the world. Useful to understand how to go about looking at a contemporary spoken language and to think about it beyond simple description. Can be useful for the final paper in "The Power of Language"

The English Language: A Historical Introduction covers the history of the English language from its prehistoric Indo-European origins to the present day. Assuming no previous knowledge of the subject, Charles Barber describes the nature of language and language change, and presents a history of the English language at different periods, dealing with key topics such as grammar, pronunciation and semantics. Where necessary, he introduces and explains the main theoretical and technical concepts of historical linguistics. This document will be useful for the student wanting to understanding contemporary historical linguistics and what kind of research it can do.

The publication of this book is widely recognized as having inaugurated feminist research on the relationship between language and gender, touching off a remarkable response among language scholars, feminists, and general readers.

Written specifically for use by advanced undergraduate and graduate students in courses dealing with literary and cultural criticism, it is also of interest to the general reader. The first part of the book explains Freud's key ideas and refutes many popular misconceptions, using examples throughout. The assumption underlying this account is that Freud offers not simply a model of the mind, but an analysis of the relation between the individual and society. The second part addresses the implications of Freudian psychoanalysis for the study of literature and culture, again using plentiful examples.