Endangerment is a complex issue, and the reasons why so many of the world's smaller, less empowered languages are not currently being passed on to future generations are discussed in the book's introduction. The introduction is followed by regional sections, each authored by a notable specialist, all combining to provide a comprehensive listing of every language which, by the criteria of endangerment set out in the introduction, is likely to disappear within the next few decades. These languages make up ninety per cent of the world's remaining language stocks.
The book therefore provides in a single resource: expert analysis of the current language policy situation in every multilingual country and on every continent, detailed descriptions of little-known languages from all over the world, and clear alphabetical entries, region by region, of all the world's languages currently thought to be in danger of extinction.
The Encyclopedia of the World S Endangered Languages will be a necessary addition to all academic linguistics collections and will be a useful resource for a range of readers with an interest in development studies, cultural heritage, and international affairs.
Pb: 9780-415-56331-4 Hb: 978-0-70071197-0
Available at all good bookshops For ordering and further information please visit: www.routledge.com
English: An Essential Grammar Gerald Nelson
This clear guide to the grammar of modern English will help students read, speak, and write English with greater confidence. Ideal for native speakers and learners alike, it begins with the basics, before progressing to more advanced topics.
The book focuses on both British and American usage, also exploring the differences and similarities between the two.
Features include:
discussion of common problem areas
guidance on sentence building and composition
practical spelling rules
explanation of grammar terms
appendix of irregular verbs.
Pb: 978-0-415-2245-0 Hb 978-0-415-22449-9
Origins
A Short Etymological Dictionary of Modern English
Eric Partridge
This dictionary gives the origins of some 20,000 items from the modern English vocabulary, discussing them in groups that make clear the connections between words derived by a variety of routes from originally common stock. As well as giving the answers to questions about the derivation of individual words, it is a fascinating book to browse through, since every page points out links with other entries. It is easy to pursue such trails as the longer articles are written as continuous prose clearly divided up by means of numbered paragraphs and subheadings, and there is a careful system of cross-references. In addition to the main A-Z listing, there are extensive lists of prefixes, suffixes, and elements used in the creation of new vocabulary.
Hb: 978-0-415-05077-7 Pb: 978-0-415-47433-7