An Introduction to Language (review)

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Reviewed by: An introduction to language by Victoria Fromkin, Robert Rodman, and Nina Hyams Adam Głaz An introduction to language. 7th edn. By Victoria Fromkin, Robert Rodman, and Nina Hyams. Boston: Thomson/Heinle, 2003. Pp. xx, 620. ISBN 015508481X. $60.95. No doubt the seventh edition of this already classic introductory textbook to linguistics will be welcomed with the enthusiasm it deserves. Largely a continuation of the work of the late Victoria Fromkin, the new edition has been revised, reorganized, and updated by Robert Rodman and Nina Hyams to reflect current progress in linguistic research and to make it more accessible to language students. The contents are divided into twelve chapters grouped into four parts: ‘The nature of human language’ (1–65), ‘Grammatical aspects of language’ (67–337), ‘The psychology of language’ (339–441), and ‘Language and society’ (443–572). Pedagogues will certainly appreciate the grouping: Such organization of the material makes it easier for the teacher to construct and follow a syllabus for a two-semester course. The more specific topics include, among others, general properties of language; language universals; animal systems of communication; the relationship between language and the brain; language origin; the morphological, syntactic, phonetic, and phonological aspects of language structure; the problems of semantics and pragmatics; language acquisition; bilingualism; teaching methods; teaching language to chimpanzees; computational linguistics; regional and social diversification of language; language change; and major types of writing systems. This quick enumeration does not, however, reflect the wealth of information and the depth of insight offered on many of these topics; although an introductory text, it surpasses many other publications in this category in both aspects. While the majority of examples are taken from English, each chapter is followed by exercises based on data drawn from a variety of sources and languages. Sections summarizing the contents of each chapter facilitate quick review of the material. Lists of references for further study will be appreciated both by the teacher and by the more ambitious student. A glossary and an index at the end of the volume make it easier to navigate its contents. For the amusement of the student, the book contains several dozen well-chosen cartoons, each of which illustrates a point made in the text. Mottos that precede almost every section add to the volume’s educational and entertainment value. A clear layout and careful editing make the book a pleasure to work with. Although this introductory textbook does not follow a particular theoretical approach to language, some linguistic theories seem to be favored over others. For example, the chapter on syntax draws heavily from the transformational-generative tradition, whereas recent developments in cognitive linguistics are virtually absent even from the discussion of semantics, an area where concepts such as prototypes or schemas are particularly useful. Despite drawbacks like these, however, the book is a remarkable achievement. Its earlier editions have already introduced thousands of students worldwide to the world of language study, and the seventh edition will certainly serve the purpose even better. Adam Głaz Maria Curie-Skłodowska University Copyright © 2004 Linguistic Society of America