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9780060520854

The Power of Babel: A Natural History of Language

by McWhorter, John
  • ISBN13:

    9780060520854

  • ISBN10:

    006052085X

  • Edition: Reprint
  • Format: Paperback
  • Copyright: 2009-12-16
  • Publisher: HarperCollins Publications
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About This Book

The Power of Babel: A Natural History of Language

ISBN: 9780060520854

The Power of Babel is a fascinating book that delves into the natural history of language. Written by linguistics professor John McWhorter, this book offers a clear and witty exploration of how thousands of different languages have evolved from a single, original source. Published by Harper Perennial in 2003, The Power of Babel is a must-read for anyone interested in the origins and dynamics of language.

Who Uses It?

Primarily, this book is used by students and educators in linguistics and language-related courses at the college and university levels. It's also a valuable resource for anyone curious about the evolution and diversity of languages, including language enthusiasts and professionals looking to expand their understanding of linguistic principles.

History and Editions

First published on January 7, 2003, The Power of Babel has been a cornerstone in the field of linguistic studies. The book ranges across linguistic theory, geography, history, and pop culture to tell the fascinating story of how languages mix and mutate over time. McWhorter's work reminds us that language is not immutable but a living, dynamic entity that adapts to an ever-changing human environment.

Author and Other Works

John McWhorter is a renowned linguistics professor known for his engaging and insightful writing style. He has written several books on language and linguistics, including Our Magnificent Bastard Tongue: The Untold Story of English and The Language Hoax: Why the World Should Stop Mispronouncing Shakespeare. His work often explores the complexities and nuances of language in an accessible manner.

Detailed Information

ISBNs and Formats

Hardcover: ISBN-13: 9780060520854

eTextbook: ISBN-13: 9780060520854 (The ebook for "The Power of Babel: A Natural History of Language" is available right here on eCampus.com!)

Paperback: ISBN-10: 006052085X / ISBN-13: 9780060520854 (The paperback for "The Power of Babel: A Natural History of Language" is available right here on eCampus.com!)

Used Copies: Various sellers offer used copies with ISBNs like those listed above (The used copies of "The Power of Babel: A Natural History of Language" are available right here on eCampus.com!)

Publication Details

Publisher: Harper Perennial

Publication Date: January 7, 2003

Number of Pages: 352

Language: English

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This information provides a comprehensive overview of The Power of Babel, including its primary audience, historical context, author's background, and available formats. The detailed information section ensures that all relevant ISBNs and formats are accurately listed, making it easier for students and educators to find and access the book in their preferred format.

Table of Contents

Introduction 1(14)
The First Language Morphs into Six Thousand New Ones
15(38)
The Six Thousand Languages Develop into Clusters of Sublanguages
53(40)
The Thousands of Dialects Mix with One Another
93(38)
Some Languages Are Crushed to Powder but Rise Again as New Ones
131(46)
The Thousands of Dialects of Thousands of Languages All Developed Far Beyond the Call of Duty
177(40)
Some Languages Get Genetically Altered and Frozen
217(36)
Most of the World's Languages Went Extinct
253(34)
Epilogue: ``Extra, Extra! The Language of Adam and Eve!'' 287(18)
Notes 305(12)
Acknowledgments 317(2)
Index 319

Supplemental Materials

What is included with this book?

The New copy of this book will include any supplemental materials advertised. Please check the title of the book to determine if it should include any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.

The Used, Rental and eBook copies of this book are not guaranteed to include any supplemental materials. Typically, only the book itself is included. This is true even if the title states it includes any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.

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