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The Twitter Machine:: Reflections on Language
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The Twitter Machine:: Reflections on Language Paperback - 1991

by Neil Smith

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From the publisher

This unique book provides an introductory overview of modern theoretical linguistics which manages to be both accessible and humorous without sacrificing either scholarship of insight.

In a series of magisterial vignettes Smith emphasizes the perennial necessity of appealing to linguistic theory if we are to gain any real understanding of the phenomena of language.

However profound or however trivial the questions we raise and try answer - What exactly does one have to know to count as a speaker of a language? What would it mean for a language to have no vowels? Why do little children call lorries 'lollies'? Precisely what with this sentence is wrong? - we need to recourse to a theory even to make them coherent. In particular, the author argues that we can find solutions to our puzzles, and explanations for these phenomena, if we exploit on the one hand Chomsky's theory of Generative Grammar, and on the other Sperber and Wilson's theory of Relevance.

From the rear cover

This unique book provides an introductory overview of modern theoretical linguistics which manages to be both accessible and humorous without sacrificing either scholarship of insight.

In a series of magisterial vignettes Smith emphasizes the perennial necessity of appealing to linguistic theory if we are to gain any real understanding of the phenomena of language.

However profound or however trivial the questions we raise and try answer - What exactly does one have to know to count as a speaker of a language? What would it mean for a language to have no vowels? Why do little children call lorries 'lollies'? Precisely what with this sentence is wrong? - we need to recourse to a theory even to make them coherent. In particular, the author argues that we can find solutions to our puzzles, and explanations for these phenomena, if we exploit on the one hand Chomsky's theory of Generative Grammar, and on the other Sperber and Wilson's theory of Relevance.

Details

  • Title The Twitter Machine:: Reflections on Language
  • Author Neil Smith
  • Binding Paperback
  • Edition New Edition
  • Pages 284
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher Wiley-Blackwell, Oxford, United Kingdom
  • Publication date 1991-01-08
  • Illustrated Yes
  • Features Bibliography, Glossary, Illustrated, Index, Table of Contents
  • ISBN 9780631169260 / 0631169261
  • Weight 1.02 lbs (0.46 kg)
  • Dimensions 9.08 x 6.08 x 0.74 in (23.06 x 15.44 x 1.88 cm)
  • Category Language Arts / Linguistics / Literacy
  • Library of Congress subjects Linguistics, Language and languages
  • Library of Congress Catalogue Number 88036799
  • Dewey Decimal Code 410

About the author

Neil Smith was educated at Trinity College, Cambridge, and University College London, where he received his Ph.D. in Linguistics for research which included a year's fieldwork among the Nupe in Nigeria. He did further research at MIT and UCLA while holding a Harkness Fellowship, and since 1972 has been at UCL, where he is currently Professor of Linguistics. He was chairman of the Linguistics Association of Great Britain from 1980 to 1986. He is married with two sons.
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The Twitter Machine: Reflections on Language
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The Twitter Machine: Reflections on Language

by Neil Smith

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ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780631169260 / 0631169261
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Wiley-Blackwell, 1991. 1st Edition. Soft cover. Fair. 6x1x9. Former library copy but, as such, in good condition. Has usual stamps/labels etc., and some light general reading/shelfwear - otherwise this is a clean, tight copy. Quick dispatch from the UK.
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Twitter Machine: Reflections on Language
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Twitter Machine: Reflections on Language

by Smith, N. V.

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Basil Blackwell, 1990. This is an ex-library book and may have the usual library/used-book markings inside.This book has soft covers. In fair condition, suitable as a study copy. Please note the Image in this listing is a stock photo and may not match the covers of the actual item,500grams, ISBN:9780631169260
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The Twitter Machine: Reflections on Language
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The Twitter Machine: Reflections on Language

by Smith, N. V.

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ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780631169260 / 0631169261
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Basil Blackwell, 1989. This is an ex-library book and may have the usual library/used-book markings inside.This book has soft covers. Clean from markings. In good all round condition. Please note the Image in this listing is a stock photo and may not match the covers of the actual item,500grams, ISBN:9780631169260
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Twitter Machine: Reflections on Language

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The Twitter Machine : Reflections on Language
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The Twitter Machine : Reflections on Language

by Smith, Neil

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Wiley & Sons, Incorporated, John. Used - Good. Former library copy. Pages intact with minimal writing/highlighting. The binding may be loose and creased. Dust jackets/supplements are not included. Includes library markings. Stock photo provided. Product includes identifying sticker. Better World Books: Buy Books. Do Good.
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The Twitter Machine: Reflections on Language

The Twitter Machine: Reflections on Language

by Smith, Neil

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NY: Basil Blackwell Inc., 1989. Very clean and tight textblock with minimal edge and cover wear. 275p., including index. First Edition. Wraps. Very Good+. 8vo - Over 7 3/4" - 9 3/4 " Tall. Paperback.
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The Twitter Machine: Reflections on Language
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The Twitter Machine: Reflections on Language

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Twitter Machine: Reflections on Language
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Twitter Machine: Reflections on Language

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New York, NY: Wiley-Blackwell, 1989. Paperback. Very Good to Near Fine. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. 275 pp. Tightly bound. Spine not compromised. Text is free of markings. No ownership markings.
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The Twitter Machine: Reflections on Language
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The Twitter Machine: Reflections on Language

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The Twitter Machine: Reflections on Language
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The Twitter Machine: Reflections on Language

by Smith, Neil

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