Popular Non-Fiction

Because Internet: Understanding the new rules of language

McCulloch, G. (2019). Because Internet: Understanding the new rules of language. London: Vintage.

This book discusses a range of topics associated with the impact that new technology and the internet have had on our language use. Importantly, it offers a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of this area of linguistics. It includes explanations of the ways in which our use of punctuation has changed to reflect newer more nuanced meanings, how social media has affected our language and interactions, and the overall impact that the internet has had on informal writing.

Language unlimited: The science behind our most creative power

Adger, D. (2019). Language Unlimited: The science behind our most creative power. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

This book provides a useful introduction to issues surrounding the nature of language. It explores in-depth why humans have the ability to use language and the properties that differentiate language from other types of communication. It also offers a discussion of the ‘laws’ of language – what properties are shared across all languages?

The linguistics wars: Chomsky, Lakoff, and the battle over deep structure (2nd Ed.)

Harris, R.A. (2021). The linguistics wars: Chomsky, Lakoff, and the battle over deep structure. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

This one is meta: it's not so much about language as it is about the field of linguistics. The book covers controversial battles and personalities in the field, particularly focusing on the latter half of the 20th century.

The unfolding of language: The evolution of mankind's greatest invention

Deutscher, G. (2006). The unfolding of language: The evolution of mankind's greatest invention. London: Arrow.

This book is a highly readable summary of ideas at the interface of language change and language evolution.

The wonders of language: Or how to make noises and influence people

Roberts, I. (2017). The wonders of language: Or how to make noises and influence people. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

This book guides students through the structure of language by building it together piece by piece. Starting with the study of noises (phonetics), the book introduces key concepts in linguistics and slowly builds strings of language together. Progressing onto syntax, morphology, and meaning, the book then puts language into context and how it fits in wider society. A useful book that introduces many of the important ideas you will come across in the first year of your degree.