本書以通俗的英語向讀者介紹了當代語言學所涉及的諸多領域和學科，包括語言的定義、詞匯學、語義學、音位學、句法學、文體學等，是一本融知識性與趣味性於一體的語言學入門教科書。
This book introduces the nature of language. It deals with the sounds that we make when we speak, with the way in which we construct sentences, with the ways in which our speech varies between
social situations, and so no. It does so by the commonly adopted method of having chapters with such headings as phonetics, syntax, social variation. Less conventionally, it has a major chapter
which, againse the background of these aspects of linguistics, presents the principal features of the languages of western Europe. You have at least one remarkable skill; you can speak a
language. For at least one language you generally know what can and what cannot be designated by the everyday words, you know what is and what is not an acceptable way of combining words to
form a sentence, you have a good idea of whether or not a particular statement would be acceptable in a particular social situation. As a skilled user, then, you already have a substantial
foundation for the study of language. That foundation and an interest in language are all you need; given those, this introductory book can lead you to an understanding of what language
consists of ,of how it works. It serves as an introductory book for students of linguistics and as important background material for students of modern languages. Reflecting my work in
continuing education, I have attempted to write in a readable style that will also made the book attractive to the many people who want to explore the fascinating world of language without
entering full-time education. I would like to thank my wife Bery1 and a student, Arthur McIvor, for taking time to read and comment on my draft. I also thank Bery1 for her support and tolerance
while I was working on the book. I also thank Arthur as a representative of those students whose interest and enthusiansm help to inspire and reward my work. The facilties of the University of
Edinburgh such as the library and word-processing facilities have been of great assistance.
