Hardcover, Longman Grammar of Spoken and Written English

Introduction

The "Longman Grammar of Spoken and Written English" is an authoritative resource that provides a comprehensive and detailed analysis of the English language as it is used in both spoken and written forms. Authored by distinguished linguists Douglas Biber, Stig Johansson, Geoffrey Leech, Susan Conrad, and Edward Finegan, this book stands as a pioneering work in the realm of corpus linguistics, combining rigorous research with practical insights.

Detailed Summary of the Book

The "Longman Grammar of Spoken and Written English" is structured to offer readers an in-depth understanding of the most prevalent patterns and structures within English. The book is based on the analysis of a 40-million-word corpus of British and American English, ensuring that it provides a statistically representative overview of the language.

Unlike traditional grammar books, this work emphasizes the differences between spoken and written English. It explores variations across different registers, includes conversations, fiction writing, newspaper language, and academic prose. Each chapter elucidates these differences, supported by extensive examples and data-driven insights.

The book spans a variety of linguistic features, such as grammar rules, syntax, phonetics, and semantics, while also discussing the prevalence and use of particular structures in real-world contexts. Through its comprehensive coverage, it aids both linguists and language learners in understanding how English operates in different modes of communication.

Key Takeaways

• The importance of context in determining grammatical structures used in speech and writing.
• Statistical data illustrating the frequency and distribution of different grammatical patterns.
• Insights into how formal and informal contexts influence language use.
• An exposure to the differences and similarities between British and American English.
• Application of corpus linguistics methodology for in-depth grammatical analysis.

Famous Quotes from the Book

"Grammar is not merely a set of rules to be applied mechanically; it reflects choices made by speakers and writers as part of their use of language."

"Corpus-based studies provide a reliable account of how language is actually used in a variety of contexts, across both spoken and written forms."

Why This Book Matters

The "Longman Grammar of Spoken and Written English" holds a special place in linguistic studies due to its exhaustive use of a large-scale corpus to draw conclusions that challenge some prescriptive norms. It provides empirical evidence, enriching our understanding of grammar as it is naturally utilized in everyday life. This work is crucial for linguists, language teachers, students, and anyone interested in the subtleties of the English language.

The book's insights into register variation make it particularly relevant for those interested in discourse analysis and sociolinguistics. By distinguishing the grammatical discrepancies between different communicative modes, the book becomes an invaluable guide in contexts requiring precise and effective language use, from academic writing to casual conversations.