Introdungcing English language part 2: 'In this exciting new textbook, Louise Mullany and Peter Stockwell have provided a fresh and imaginative set of alternatives for teaching and learning a huge amount about the English language. The book allows tor creative and lateral approaches to developing an understanding of important linguistic concepts and, together with the thought-provoking activities, and accessible readings, guarantees there is something to stimulate every learner. | This book covers the vast field of the English Language. It is broadly arranged across three areas. Strands 1 to 5 cover the structure of English to include sounds words meanings grammar and discourse. The aim of the early sections is to provide you with foundational skills and knowledge which you need to be able to produce your own analyses of the English language. It is important to point out right at the very beginning that the English language is constantly changing and that it is strongly influenced by its political social and economic circumstances. The academic study of the English language is just as reliant on these conditions almost everything we have necessarily presented as a fact is open to debate. We hope that the book gives you the opportunity to engage in these debates. Strands 6 to 11 cover the main sub-disciplines within language and linguistics study acquisition and processing history and society the spread of English globally and the close analysis of literary language. Finally the last two strands set out some methods of linguistic study and a theoretical review of the field. Every strand is also covered in further detail by a devoted book in the RELI series. If you have read across a strand and found that you want to know more the corresponding RELI book will pick you up and take you further. The RELI books are also innovative textbooks in that they do not aim to replace your teacher or lecturer but instead they offer both student and expert a resource for you to adapt as you think most appropriate. You will want to take issue with what we say test out our assumptions and - we hope - feel motivated to read and explore further. We have always left space for tutors to mediate the material and for students to explore beyond the book. Especially in this coursebook introducing the study of the English language there are many routes not taken which we have left for you to explore. The English language in all its rich diversity reveals its deeper .
