The Vocabulary of World English

Description

The Vocabulary of World English presents an absorbing study of the rich diversity of word use and meaning found within the many varieties of the English language worldwide. Intended for anyone interested in English vocabulary, but assuming no previous knowledge of linguistics, this introductory book pursues and intwertwines four different objectives. Through the use of real eaxamples taken from a wide range of areas, the book explores the vocabulary of basic semantic fields ranging from Life and Living Things to Entertainment, Sports and Games. At the same time special attention is paid to words used in a number of different kinds of English (especially geographical – national varieties, but also those determined by age, gender, ethnicity, function, field and style). The book also provides an introduction to the most important areas of linguistics relating specifically to words, the most central being lexicology, semantics, and morphology. In addition, this text presents a historical review of the origins of English words and several lexical aspects of grammar – as well as making brief forays into pronunciation and spelling.