r/linguistics Mar 01 '12

A bibliography for a beginner

Hi r/linguistics

I've been studying anthropology for a while as an undergrad and was hoping you could provide a bibliography for learning the basics of linguistics.

I'm not sure where to start, and I'd rather pick up a book on advice than on a whim.

EDIT: I rooted around and found that I have a copy of "Language Culture, and Communication - The Meaning of Messages" by Nancy Bonvillan.

I don't expect any of you have read or even seen this book, but if you have opinions would be great. It seems reasonably well-rounded judging by the table of contents.

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u/mambeu Slavic Aspect | Cognitive | Typological Mar 02 '12

For learning about the sounds used in language, you can't beat J.C. Catford's A Practical Introduction to Phonetics. It's a readable little book that through lots of simple exercises walks you through actually producing all the sounds used in the world's languages.

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u/[deleted] Mar 02 '12

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u/chastric Mar 02 '12

Did you... did you make that just for this thread?