An introduction to descriptive linguistics

the long version

Linguistics courses are ceasing to be appendages to single specialized curricula, and are attracting an ever more diverse enrollment. This textbook was written with this development in mind. It is not directed to prospective linguists alone; rather, widely various academic backgrounds and interests are assumed. Many of the students who use it will be particularly interested in understanding the place of descriptive linguistics among related disciplines, but will not be able to take specialized courses in these related fields. It has therefore been thought best to interpret the field rather broadly. - Preface.