An Introduction to Linguistics

Linguistics is the scientific study of language. It analyzes the form, meaning and context of language and also involves the study of grammar and style. It also studies the sociocultural, historical and political factors that influence language. The variation of language across regions and societies is understood from the perspective of the cultural stages that are relevant to the evolution of language. These stages are pidgin, creole, dialect, discourse, standard language, lexicon and relativity. Linguistic structures result from the interplay of form and meaning. The sub-fields of linguistics that focus on the grammatical study of language are phonetics, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics, semiotics and stylistics, among others. Applied linguistics has applications in the areas of translation, language education, language planning and lexicography. This book attempts to understand the multiple fields that fall under the discipline of linguistics and how such concepts have practical applications. It strives to be a valuable source of reference for all students of linguistics or anyone interested in language studies.