CHAPTER 1 The Linguistic Perspective
Why Should Teachers Study Linguistics?
What is the Linguistic Perspective?
What is Linguistics?
What Do Linguists Do?
Goals of the Book
Discussion of Exercises
Suggested Projects
Further Reading

CHAPTER 2 Foundations of Linguistics: Phonetics
Oral vs. Written Language
Consonants
Vowels
Approximants
Phonetic Spelling and the English Alphabet
Discussion of Exercises
Suggested Projects
Further Reading

CHAPTER 3 Foundations of Linguistics: Phonology and Morphology
Phonology
Morphology
Discussion of Exercises
Suggested Projects
Further Reading

CHAPTER 4 Syntax and Grammar Teaching
Word Classes
Constituent Structure
Other Syntactic Knowledge
Linear Order
Agreement
Sentence Nesting
Traditional Grammar

Grammar Teaching Revisited
Teaching Usage
Discussion of Exercises
Suggested Projects
Further Reading

CHAPTER 5 Language Change and Variation
Language Change
History of English
Overview
Old English
Middle English
Modern English

Mechanisms of Change
Vocabulary
Phonology
Morphology and Syntax

Regional Variation
Overview
Examples

Sociolinguistic Variation
Dialect and Ethnic Identity
African American Vernacular English
Other Ethnic Dialects

Attitudes toward Dialect Differences
Language and Gender
Discussion of Exercises
Suggested Projects
Further Reading

CHAPTER 6 The Written Word
Writing Systems
Background of English Orthography
What English Spelling Represents
Spelling Reform
Other Writing Conventions
Reading
Discussion of Exercises
Suggested Projects
Further Reading

CHAPTER 7 Using Language in Context
Pragmatics
Conversational Intent: How Do You Know What Someone Really Means?
Disambiguating Ambiguity
Discourse Function

Conversational Appropriateness
Language Choices and Social Appropriateness
Classroom Register
Discussion of Exercises
Suggested Projects
Further Reading

CHAPTER 8 Child Language Acquisition
Basic Assumptions
Stages of Language Development
Before First Words
First Words
Multiple Word Utterances: The Idea of Syntax
Grammatical Morphemes: Fleshing Out the Telegram
Later Development: Sounding Like an Adult

Learning the Meaning of Words
Acquiring Pragmatic Skills
Learning Strategies and Individual Differences
Acquisition Theory: How Do Children Do It?
Brain Structure and the Critical Age Hypothesis
Discussion of Exercises
Suggested Projects
Further Reading

CHAPTER 9 Language Disorders and Impairment
Hearing Impairment
Visual Impairment
Cognitive Impairment
Some Theoretical Questions
What is the Relationship between Language and Cognition?
What is the Relationship between Language and Speech?
Is There a Critical Age for Language Acquisition?

Discussion of Exercises
Suggested Projects
Further Reading

CHAPTER 10 Language Planning and Policy
Language Planning and Policy around the World
Choosing a National Language
Dominant vs. Minority Languages
Responses to Minority Dialects of English in the United States
Educational Policy and Minority Dialects
Educational Policy and Bilingualism
The English-Only Movement
Discussion of Exercises
Suggested Projects
Further Reading

CHAPTER 11 Linguistics and Literacy
What Do We Mean by "Literacy"?
Elements of Literacy
The Beginnings of Reading and Writing
Decontextualized Language
Construction of Discourse
Metalanguage: Becoming Aware of Language
Linguistics and Literacy: Reflections
Discussion of Exercises
Suggested Projects
Further Reading

GLOSSARY