Includes bibliographical references and indexes.

1. Where does language come from? -- 2. Why don't we all talk the same? -- 3. Things ain't what they used to be -- 4. Linguistic relations -- 5. Bee talk and monkey chatter -- 6. How do you spell Accommodation? -- 7. How many words do the Eskimos use? -- 8. Going on and on : the never-ending story -- 9. Primitive languages -- 10. Who needs grammar? -- 11. Mobile messages -- 12. How do we lose languages and does it matter? -- 13. What shall I call you? -- 14. Do women and men speak differently? -- 15. Sexist language and linguistic sexism -- 16. What language do you use to your grandmother? -- 17. Why can't people in Birmingham talk right? -- 18. Why my feets hurted? -- 19. Does bilingualism rot the brain? -- 20. Building another tongue -- 21. You've tasted the whole worm -- 22. Is language a strait-jacket? -- 23. When language breaks down -- Conclusion : who cares about language?

"This book provides a lively introduction to the study of language for students without prior experience in linguistics. It addresses the core areas of language study answering questions such as: Where does language come from?; Why don't we all talk the same?; Who needs grammar? This is an excellent textbook for basic introductory courses and for students who are non-majors. It will be accessible and enjoyable for a variety of students."--Publisher website.