Don't believe a word : the surprising truth about language / David Shariatmadari.
"Everyone likes to think they know a bit about language: There are some words that you simply can't translate into English. The origin of a word tells you how it should be used. A dialect is inferior to a language. The problem is, none of these statements are true. In Don't Believe a Word, linguist David Shariatmadari explodes nine common myths about language and introduces us to some of the fundamental insights of modern linguistics. By the end of this eye- opening tour, readers will understand that grammatical "errors" are in fact the foundation of modern English; that the meaning of a word is not what a dictionary says, but how it's used; and that the difference between what gets labelled a "language" or "dialect" is political, rather than scientific. Don't Believe a Word offers an accessible and thorough introduction to the science behind one of the most essential aspects of our daily life"-- Provided by publisher.
Record details
- ISBN: 1324004258
- ISBN: 9781324004257
- Physical Description: 324 pages ; 24 cm
- Edition: First American edition
- Publisher: New York : W. W. Norton & Company, 2020.
- Copyright: ©2019
Content descriptions
- Bibliography, etc. Note:
- Includes bibliographical references and index.
- Formatted Contents Note:
- Language is going to the dogs -- A word's origin is its true meaning -- I control what comes out of my mouth -- We can't talk to the animals -- You can't translate this word -- Italian is a language -- What you say is what you mean -- Some languages are better than others -- Language is an instinct.
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Available copies
- 6 of 6 copies available at NC Cardinal.
- 1 of 1 copy available at Iredell County Public Library. (Show)
Holds
- 0 current holds with 6 total copies.
Show Only Available Copies
| Location | Call Number / Copy Notes | Barcode | Shelving Location | Status | Due Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Statesville Main Library | 401 SHA (Text) | 33114018276568 | Adult Nonfiction Display | Available | - |
| Annie Hubbard McEachern Public Library | 401 SHARIATMADARI (Text) | 34510000631588 | Adult Nonfiction | Available | - |
| Henderson Main Branch | 401 S (Text) | 33258009802005 | Adult Nonfiction | Available | - |
| Kinston-Lenoir County Public Library | 401 S (Text) | 39149008028003 | Adult Nonfiction | Available | - |
| Lenoir Library | 401 Sh (Text) | 50669012581873 | Adult Nonfiction | Available | - |
| Robeson County Public Library | 401 SHARIATMADARI (Text) | 34510000631570 | Adult Nonfiction | Available | - |
Accessibility Features
Summary:
"Everyone likes to think they know a bit about language: There are some words that you simply can't translate into English. The origin of a word tells you how it should be used. A dialect is inferior to a language. The problem is, none of these statements are true. In Don't Believe a Word, linguist David Shariatmadari explodes nine common myths about language and introduces us to some of the fundamental insights of modern linguistics. By the end of this eye- opening tour, readers will understand that grammatical "errors" are in fact the foundation of modern English; that the meaning of a word is not what a dictionary says, but how it's used; and that the difference between what gets labelled a "language" or "dialect" is political, rather than scientific. Don't Believe a Word offers an accessible and thorough introduction to the science behind one of the most essential aspects of our daily life"--
