Lexicology: A Short Introduction

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This readable introductory textbook presents a concise survey of lexicology. The first section of the book is a survey of the study of words, providing students with an overview of basic issues in defining and understanding the word as a unit of language. This section also examines the history of lexicology, the evolution of dictionaries and recent developments in the field. The second section extends this study of lexicology into the relationship between words and meaning, etymology, prescription, language as social phenomenon and translation. Lexicology: A Short Introduction will be of interest to undergraduate students of linguistics.

Reviews

"This book is exactly what the title and subtitle imply: it is a short introduction to the study of words... This text fulfills its purpose admirably. It is a very good read as well, drawing on a remarkable knowledge of language and languages. One feature that is quite helpful is the use of bold test for terms which are deemed important enough to make it into the glossary, allowing for easy cross reference...This text makes fascinating foray into these matters from the perspective of the word, though, and for that alone is valuable to those who lean towards a social and functional view of language." -The Linguist List -- Derek Irwin

Author Bio

M.A.K. Halliday was Emeritus Professor of Linguistics at the University of Sydney. Colin Yallop is Adjunct Professor at Macquarie University, Australia.