Refreshed and updated, the fifth edition of this core textbook offers a clear and engaging introduction to the building blocks of the English language, namely its words, sounds and sentences. Assuming no prior knowledge, it combines accessibility with depth, offering detailed explanations of key topics and theories, including variation in vocabularies, the International Phonetic Alphabet and relevance theory in relation to pragmatics.

Packed full of exercises to help consolidate learning, and equipped with examples and illustrations throughout, this book is essential reading for undergraduate students of English language and linguistics and a valuable resource for students and teachers of English as a second or foreign language. This new edition features:- An enhanced text design - Updated examples- Refreshed illustrations- New and improved exercises- Revised further reading lists.

Divided into three Parts, succinct overviews and clearly-defined learning outcomes are provided at the start of each section, followed by glossaries of technical terms at the end. The book is also accompanied by a wealth of online resources, including downloadable PowerPoints, MP3 audio files, MP4 video lectures, and quizzes, further supporting readers in achieving their goals.

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