附註:Includes bibliographical references and index.
1 How do we acquire language?; 2 From one language to the next: Why is it hard to learn a second language? Why is translation so difficult?; 3 Does language equal thought?; 4 Are sign languages real languages?; 5 Do animals have language?; 6 Can computers learn language?; 7 Whose speech is better?; 8 Why do dialects and creoles differ from standard language?; 9 Do men and women speak differently? And who cares?; 10 English spelling is hard, and it makes learning to read hard. Should we do anything about it?
摘要:Is Ebonics really a dialect or simply bad English? Do women and men speak differently? Will computers ever really learn human language? The author shows how many of our most deeply held ideas about language and its role in our lives are either misconceived or influenced by myths and stereotypes.
