This new, thoroughly revised edition of the acclaimed Cambridge Encyclopedia of Language incorporates the major developments in language study which have taken place since the mid 1990s. Two main new areas have been added: the rise of electronic communication in all its current forms from email to texting, and the crisis affecting the world's languages, of which half are thought to be so seriously endangered that they will die out this century.

- All language statistics have been updated, and additional information provided about their linguistic affiliation - All topics involving technology have been revised to take account of recent developments, notably in phonetics, language disability, and computing - Maps have been revised to include new countries or country names - Special attention has been paid to fast-moving areas such as language teaching and learning - The text design has been completely updated with many new illustrations throughout

'... a celebration of language in all its oddity, beauty, fun, astonishing complexity and limitless variety' London Review of Books

'The Cambridge Encyclopedia of Language is a masterpeice of comprehensiveness and clarity.’ New Internationalist

'... an ingenious tour de force ... stunningly diverse linguistic menu.' Robert Burchfield, The Times

'... magnificently demonstrates Professor Crystal's outstanding breadth of knowledge, incisiveness of judgment and superb skills at getting to the heart of highly complex issues in a clear and straightforward manner.' Randolph Quirk, FBA

'... David Crystal has a great facility for explaining language issues with plain good sense, wit and admirable brevity.' The Times Educational Supplement