"This book is a good idea. It’s not a textbook but a linguistics manual, full of information about concepts and practices and written in clear, straightforward language. It contains, for example, a mini language-file (for the many languages referred to in textbooks without further explanation); brief notes on central concepts in linguistics; the conventions of writing essays and assignments; technical terms that are have two or more uses and a list of online resources for linguists. There is something here for everyone engaged in linguistics, from first-year undergraduates through final-year undergraduates and postgraduates to teaching staff. I foresee it being a constant companion." -Professor Jim Miller, University of Auckland

The book that tells you all the things you felt you were expected to know about linguistics, but were afraid to ask about.

* What do you know about Burushaski and Miwok? * What's the difference between paradigmatic and syntagmatic? * What is E-language? * What is a language? * What does the symbol '*' mean in linguistics? * What do you call the letter ð? * Do parenthetical and non-restrictive mean the same thing? * How do you write a bibiliographic entry for a work you have not seen?

Every student who has asked these questions needs this book. A compendium of useful things for linguistics students to know, from the IPA chart to the Saussurean dichotomies, this book will be the constant companion of anyone undertaking studies of linguistics. Part reference work, part revision guide, and with tables providing summary information on some 280 languages, the book provides a new learning tool as a supplement to the usual textbooks and glossaries.

The EUP hardback edition is available to customers in North America through Columbia University Press. The paperback edition is published in North America by Oxford University Press.