As above.
Thank you.
2007-01-19 15:02:09 · 3 answers · asked by divaid666 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
Historical linguistic and just linguistics generally
2007-01-19 16:04:42 · update #1
i have a great one... its a small but cool book called Speak - a short history of languages by Tore Janson
2007-01-20 09:49:31 · answer #1 · answered by nola_cajun 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Contemporary Linguistics (O'Grady) is a very thorough introduction to linguistics, if that is what you mean by an essential book. It also has very complete references that can point you toward good further reading in the field.
2007-01-19 23:22:23 · answer #2 · answered by obro 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Steven Pinker (Language Instinct, Words and Rules) and James McWhorter write interestingly and intelligently on linguistic issues for a lay audience. Very readable and accessible.
2007-01-20 21:18:17 · answer #3 · answered by frauholzer 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋