http://worldcat.org/entity/work/id/196473395

The study of language

Emphasizing the field of linguistics, this book describes the history, scope, problems, and current state of the study of language and communication in the united states. The major portion of the book, devoted to linguistic science, is comprised of (1) explanations of how linguistic science compares, from the historical and descriptive points of view, the structures and characteristics of both well and lesser known language systems, (2) descriptions of linguistic methodology procedures, and (3) clarification of such broadly significant problems as the classification of languages by types and the differences in the ways languages "encode" experience. In discussions of the independently conceived language study theories developed in the related disciplines of linguistics, psychology, the social sciences, philosophy, education, communication, and the study of speech, emphasis is put on the feasibility of interdisciplinary cooperation in merging all of the divergent theories into one really effective communication science, with potentially far reaching effects in both education and the social sciences. Also included is an examination of the organizations, personnel, and publications in the field of linguistic science, and in related fields, that might support advances in the study of language. Addenda contain ample text documentation and an extensive list of pertinent references. This document is available for $5.00 from harvard university press, cambridge, mass. 02138. (ab).

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