You and your language (A Spectrum book)

"Man is unique among animals because he uses language" This statement was the essential definition of humanity - until a chimpanzee named Washoe learned to speak with sign language. This is just one aspect of language that Charles Laird explores in this fascinating introduction to the structure, complexity, and the peculiarities of the English language. You and your Language is an examination of our language and how we use it, as well as the way it shapes our thinking. Laird, a recognized authority in the field, offers a lighthearted, understandable explanation of subjects ranging from Noam Chomsky's transformational grammar to Black English. In addition the author provides a chapter which tells you why slang ain't so bad, and another on the bureaucratese of government and other special languages developed by business and the professions. Through this book you'll find a new way of looking at language and you'll discover why the author's one admonition about English is " Have Fun."