Introducing Linguistics brings together the work of scholars working at the cutting-edge of the field of linguistics, creating an accessible and wide-ranging introductory level textbook for newcomers to this area of study. The textbook:

* Provides broad coverage of the field, comprising five key areas: language structures, mind and society, applications, methods, and issues;

* Presents the latest research in an accessible way;

* Incorporates examples from a wide variety of languages - from isiZulu to Washo - throughout;

* Treats sign language in numerous chapters as yet another language, rather than a 'special case' confined to its own chapter;

* Includes recommended readings and resource materials, and is supplemented by a companion website.

This textbook goes beyond description and theory, giving weight to application and methodology. It is authored by a team of leading scholars from the world-renowned Lancaster University department, who have drawn on both their research and extensive classroom experience. Aimed at undergraduate students of linguistics, Introducing Linguistics is the ideal textbook to introduce students to the field of linguistics.