Why Is This a Question?: Everything about the origins and oddities of language you never thought to ask

Why Is This a Question?: Everything about the origins and oddities of language you never thought to ask image
ISBN-10:

1783966645

ISBN-13:

9781783966646

Released: Oct 13, 2022
Publisher: Elliott Thompson
Format: Hardcover, 320 pages
to view more data

Description:

Admittedly, that’ s probably a question that might never have occurred to you. But if you’ re even remotely interested in the origins and oddities of language, it’ s likely also a question you’ re now intrigued to know the answer to. Nor is it the only question: take a moment to think about how our language operates and even more spring mind. Why do these letters look the way they do? Why are some uppercase and others lowercase? Why are these words in this order? How are you understanding what these seemingly arbitrary shapes and symbols mean, while doubtless hearing them read to you in a voice inside your head? And what is this question mark really doing at this end of this sentence? Books explaining the origins of our most intriguing words and phrases have long proved popular, but they often overlook the true nuts and bolts of language: the origins of our alphabet and writing system; grammatical rules and conventions; the sound structure of language; and even how our brains and bodies interpret and communicate language itself. Why Is This a Question? is a fascinating and enlightening exploration of linguistic questions you’ ve likely never thought to ask.


























We're an Amazon Associate. We earn from qualifying purchases at Amazon and all stores listed here.

Want a Better Price Offer?

Set a price alert and get notified when the book starts selling at your price.

Want to Report a Pricing Issue?

Let us know about the pricing issue you've noticed so that we can fix it.