With a language disappearing every two weeks and neologisms springing up almost daily, an understanding of the origins and currency of language has never seemed more relevant. In this charming volume, a narrative history written explicitly for a young audience, expert linguist David Crystal proves why the story of language deserves retelling. From the first words of an infant to text messaging, "A Little Book of Language" ranges widely, revealing language's myriad intricacies and quirks. In animated fashion, Crystal sheds light on the development of unique linguistic styles, the origins of obscure accents, and the search for the first written word. He discusses the plight of endangered languages, as well as successful cases of linguistic revitalization. Much more than a history, Crystal's guide looks forward to the future of language, exploring the effect of technology on our day-to-day reading, writing, and speech. Through enlightening tables, diagrams, and quizzes, as well as Crystal's avuncular and entertaining style, "A Little Book of Language" reveals the story of language to be a captivating tale for all ages.

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David Crystal is one of the world's pre-eminent language specialists. Writer, editor, lecturer, and broadcaster, he is Honorary Professor of Linguistics at the University of Wales, Bangor. He has written nearly 100 books, including The Cambridge Encyclopaedia of the English Language, By Hook or By Crook: a Journey in Search of English, Txtng: the Gr8 Db8, The Stories of English, and Rediscover Grammar, as well as publishing widely on phonetics, Shakespeare's language and child language. In 1995 he was awarded the OBE for services to the English language.

'In this wonderful little book David Crystal, an expert on the subject, explores the way language is used – or misused.'
-Keith Richmond, Tribune

‘Crystal gets the tone just right…An excellent present for a child who always has their nose in a book, it will encourage them to step back and reflect on language in exciting new, and perhaps life-changing ways.’
-The Good Book Guide

‘Crystal shows that it is possible to present a huge body of knowledge in a readable and entertaining way. It’s a tour de force, and anyone interested in language will enjoy eavesdropping on the conversation.’
-S.T, Contemporary Review

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