What do we need to know about language and why do we need to know it? This book shows how viewing the world through a linguistics lens can help us to understand how we communicate with each other and why we do it in the ways we do. Above all this book is about noticing. It is about encouraging readers to pay attention to the language that surrounds them.
The book addresses fundamental linguistic questions such as: Where do people's beliefs about language come from? Who decides what language we should speak? How do we choose the best way to express what we mean? It introduces a set of practical tools for language analysis and, using examples of authentic communicative activity including overheard conversations, Facebook posts and public announcements, shows how this kind of analysis works and what it can tell us about social interaction.
Exploring language and language use from a social, intercultural and multilingual perspective, the authors demonstrate the relevance of linguistics in understanding day-to-day interaction. This book will help readers not only to become informed, active observers of language for its own sake, but also to be able to take on and challenge some of the misconceptions, assumptions and prejudices that so often underlie public discussion of language issues.
Industry Reviews
The book provides good and inspiring reading on various topics concerning language in social life. ... [I]t covers a broad spectrum ... from linguistic ethnography, correctness, language variety and change, writtenness and spokenness to multilingualism, translanguaging, language myths, language at school and at work - all this with a clear focus on pragmatics and applied linguistics. ... English & Marr strive for linguistic awareness, and they passionately plead for awareness raised towards language in everyday communication. Whoever reads this book, is richly rewarded by a variety of information and stimulating discussions. * Journal of Linguistics and Language Teaching *
[A] lively and thoughtful book ... [in which] readers are asked to think carefully and deliberately about the language we encounter on a daily basis. ... Particularly entertaining examples include the use of the word 'sorry' in British English and the function of small talk across different languages ... English and Marr make it clear from the very start that the aim of this book is "not to teach you linguistics but rather to show what you can do with it". With its emphasis on linguistic mindfulness, this book does just that. * Babel: The Language Magazine *
[Why Do Linguistics?] can be used as an introductory overview of an impressive number of concepts. On the other hand, it also offers a good overall review for linguistics enthusiasts who already possess some knowledge of the field ... [and] language teachers in general ... The whole book is cohesive, guiding the reader from specific examples to broader issues in linguistics ... Each chapter offers richly analyzed examples, which effectively illustrate concepts in linguistics ... [making this] a highly readable book ... [T]he authors do accomplish the stated purpose of their book, offering cogent arguments accompanied by illustrative and authentic examples of why we should all do linguistics. * The Linguist List *
Why Do Linguistics? is an accessible book ... offering plenty of real-world examples, definitions of key terms, opportunities for applications of linguistic frameworks, and even a bit of history. * BAAL Newsletter *
Why Do Linguistics? is an engaging introduction to the study of language. It covers a wide range of topics in an accessible and lively manner. There are numerous examples from everyday life to illustrate the points being made, all of which highlight the value of taking a deeper look at language issues and what they, in the broader sense, mean. The authors have given us a book that not only explains, but also helps us understand, the complexity of human communications from social, as well as multilingual and intercultural points of view. A very enjoyable book and one that beginning students of linguistics will especially relate to. -- Brian Paltridge, Professor of TESOL, University of Sydney, Australia
Expert 'noticers of language' Fiona English and Tim Marr present a comprehensive and compelling case for the study of language from a social linguistics perspective. From announcements on public transport, to considering whether a shoe is a text they provide a persuasive and detailed explanation of how language is at once messy and systematic. They explore issues of identity, culture, language attitudes and linguistics diversity and convincingly show that linguistics is everywhere. The use of every day examples, including post cards and furniture assembly instructions makes clear the full reach of linguistic analysis and demonstrates that examining the world through a linguistic lens provides new ways of looking and of thinking. This is an engaging book written with verve, and highly recommended for anyone interested in language. -- Annabelle Mooney, Reader in the Department of Media, Culture and Language, University of Roehampton, UK
This highly original overview of the field of linguistics answers the question posed by its title in multiple ways - all of them convincing, entertaining and informative. As someone working with secondary school English departments, I was particularly interested in Fiona English and Tim Marr's chapter arguing that language study should be given much more serious consideration in the school curriculum. I couldn't agree more and now feel more empowered than ever to make the case with anyone who might think otherwise. The book is very readable throughout and I would recommend it to anyone with a serious interest in language. I finished more convinced than ever that students at all levels need to do linguistics - and it made me want to do the subject all over again. -- Andrew McCallum, Co-Director of the English and Media Centre, London, UK
This book is very engaging and was a fascinating read, not least because of the wide range of interesting real-life examples. * Tilmann Altenberg, Cardiff University, UK *
