• A Little Book of Language

  • By: David Crystal
  • Narrated by: Derek Perkins
  • Length: 7 hrs and 22 mins
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Release date: 08-09-12
  • Language: English
  • Publisher: University Press Audiobooks
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars 4.3 (20 ratings)

Regular price: $18.50

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Publisher's Summary

With a language disappearing every two weeks and neologisms springing up almost daily, an understanding of the origins and currency of language has never seemed more relevant. In this charming volume, a narrative history written explicitly for a young audience, expert linguist David Crystal proves why the story of language deserves retelling.
From the first words of an infant to the peculiar modern dialect of text messaging, A Little Book of Language ranges widely, revealing language's myriad intricacies and quirks. In animated fashion, Crystal sheds light on the development of unique linguistic styles, the origins of obscure accents, and the search for the first written word. He discusses the plight of endangered languages, as well as successful cases of linguistic revitalization. Much more than a history, Crystal's work looks forward to the future of language, exploring the effect of technology on our day-to-day reading, writing, and speech. Through enlightening tables, diagrams, and quizzes, as well as Crystal's avuncular and entertaining style, A Little Book of Language will reveal the story of language to be a captivating tale for all ages.
©2010 David Crystal (P)2012 Redwood Audiobooks
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Critic Reviews

"Demotic, lively, rigorous but unabashedly unpedantic, David Crystal reminds us that living languages know no boundaries, that they adapt themselves joyously to new conditions. Here he indulges himself with great good humour in his little book of love for the pleasures of language and words worldwide." (Iain Finlayson, The Times)
"[An] exhilarating romp through the mysteries and vagaries of language.... This is the perfect primer for anyone interested in the subject." ( Publishers Weekly)
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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful
5 out of 5 stars
By Fruta Fresca on 02-21-16

A must read!

I received a paperback copy of this book and forgot it by a friend. It was so engaging I purchased it on audible to continue reading. The author is not only knowledgeable but humorous and the book is organized in a most readable (listenable) way.

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful
4 out of 5 stars
By Scifisam on 05-23-15

Basic but interesting, better in print form

Would you listen to A Little Book of Language again? Why?

This is a more basic book than I expected, with the writer explaining very simple terms from linguistics, but if that's what you want then it's fine. It's comprehensive and includes anecdotes that make the theory come alive.The problems are mainly due to the subject matter; the reader often has to spell out things that you would be able to see much less awkwardly in print. In some chapters this happens at least once every few minutes.

Would you listen to another book narrated by Derek Perkins?

Yes, assuming the strange dialect choices were not his own.

Any additional comments?

The narrator, who has a British RP accent, for some reason uses Americanisms like "zee" instead of "zed," missing the "and" that British speakers use when saying long numbers (one hundred and one, not one hundred one), and pronouncing the occasional word in an American way for no obvious reason. He also says dates as 21 June, not 21st (of) June, which I've never heard said in real life - even if it's written as 21 June you make it into an ordinal when you say the date. It's jarring. If they wanted to use those variants then they should have used an American narrator.

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3 of 3 people found this review helpful

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