An Introduction to Linguistics through Popular Music

This textbook uses popular music lyrics to introduce the field of linguistics, covering syntactic categories, morphological structures, phonological/metric structures, syllable structures, and varieties of English, including RP, General American, Australian English, southern US, and Scottish English. It demonstrates complex topics using music as a fun and familiar starting point, making it an ideal resource for introductory linguistics courses worldwide.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 127 pages
Publication date: 19 May 2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This comprehensive textbook offers an accessible introduction to the fascinating field of linguistics, showcasing a wide range of syntactic categories, morphological structures, phonological/metric structures, syllable structures, and diverse English varieties. Through the use of excerpts from popular music lyrics, the author effectively demonstrates how language and music share common characteristics, such as metrical structure. By adopting a novel approach to linguistic analysis and description, the book encourages students and instructors to explore spoken language in a fresh and engaging manner.

The book provides a valuable resource for introductory linguistics courses worldwide, as it effectively demonstrates complex topics through the use of music, making them more approachable and enjoyable for students. It introduces a new vocabulary that can aid in understanding language and offers a fresh perspective on linguistic analysis.

The varieties of English covered in the textbook include Received Pronunciation (RP) and General American, as well as some features of Australian English, southern US varieties, and Scottish English. By examining these diverse dialects through the lens of music, the author highlights the rich and varied nature of the English language and its cultural influences.

Overall, this textbook is an excellent resource for anyone interested in learning more about linguistics, language, and the intersection between language and music. It provides a comprehensive and engaging introduction to the field, making it suitable for students and professionals alike.

Weight: 219g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031247026
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023