Laurie Bauer Books

Although the illustrative material is drawn principally from English, general points are illustrated with a variety of languages to provide a new perspective on a confused and often controversial field of study.

Focusing on the role of morphological productivity in the evolution of English vocabulary, this book explores its impact on word formation and structure. It adopts an eclectic approach by integrating findings from morphology, syntax, and phonology. Drawing on two decades of research, the text offers fresh insights and examines a diverse array of linguistic and psycholinguistic evidence, making it a valuable resource for understanding the complexities of language development.

Despite a history of hundreds of years of research analysing aspects of English grammar, there are still open problems which continue to baffle language researchers today. Such ‘grammar mysteries’ arise for a number of because the language is changing; because different speakers of the language adhere to distinct norms and thus introduce and maintain variation in the system; because there are differences between the grammar of spoken and written English. This book illuminates some of the complexities of the subject, the areas where new discoveries await and why it matters. Through a series of accessible and engaging case studies on various aspects of grammar, from multiple negation to possession, the authors present grammar as an intellectual challenge. This book brings out into the open questions about language usage to which we still do not have good answers in a bid to make variation overt and to revel in the mystery of the English language. Both aimed at the interested general reader and the beginning student of English language and linguistics, this is a fresh take on grammar.

Routledge Language Workbooks offer practical introductions tailored for absolute beginners in various language areas. They provide thorough coverage of specific topics, serving as a foundation for further study. These workbooks are versatile, suitable for independent learning or as a component of structured classes, making them ideal for anyone looking to enhance their language skills.

This glossary provides clear definitions of complex morphology terms, catering to both beginners and advanced readers. It includes a nontechnical introduction to morphology, making it accessible for newcomers, while also revealing theoretical insights for more experienced individuals. The book features extensive cross-references that connect related terms and concepts, allowing readers to explore fundamental issues in morphology thematically. Additionally, it offers an annotated bibliography for further reading, serving as a comprehensive guide for anyone interested in word structure and form.

Examines the ways language has changed in the twentieth century. It concentrates on standard English and takes a historical rather than sociolinguistic view of the changes which have occurred.

The previous edition received acclaim for its insightful analysis and engaging writing style, offering readers a deeper understanding of the subject matter. Critics highlighted its thorough research and ability to present complex concepts in an accessible manner. The book's unique approach and compelling arguments have made it a valuable resource for both students and enthusiasts alike, establishing it as a significant contribution to the field.

The media are ruining English"; "Some languages are harder than others"; "Children can't speak or write properly anymore." Such pieces of "cultural wisdom" are often expressed in newspapers and on radio and television. Rarely is there a response from experts in the fields of language and language development. In this book Laurie Bauer and Peter Trudgill have invited nineteen respected linguists from all over the world to address these "language myths"--showing that they vary from the misconceived to the downright wrong. With essays ranging from "Women Talk Too Much" and "In the Appalachians They Speak Like Shakespeare" to "Italian Is Beautiful, German Is Ugly" and "They Speak Really Bad English Down South and in New York City," Language Myths is a collection that is wide-ranging, entertaining, and authoritative.

Introduction; 2. Compounds and words; 3. The grammar of compounds; 4. The semantics of compounds; 5. The classification of compounds; 6. Facets of English compounding; 7. Discussion.

A linguistic introduction to the structures and meanings of English words Lexicology is about words, their meanings and the relationships between them, their origins and their structure. It combines the study of derivational morphology with lexical semantics. This textbook explores the history, meanings and structure of words, the way they are collected in dictionaries and the way they are stored in our minds. It goes beyond examining the morphological structure of words to examine the way words are spelt and the way they sound. At every stage, the book focuses not only on description, but also on the puzzles that words present. Supported by numerous examples, exercises, discussion questions, suggestions for further reading and a glossary, this is an accessible and lively guide to the linguistic study of English through the consideration of words. Key Features: -Covers orthography, synonyms, hyponyms, figurative language, semantic analysis, loan words and dictionaries -Considers the history and morphological structure of English and the influence of borrowing from French, Latin and Greek -Includes examples, exercises and discussion questions in each chapter -Includes a glossary of key terms and suggestions for further reading Laurie Bauer is Emeritus Professor of Linguistics at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand.