* Examines how language works, accounting for its nature, its use, its study and its history* Two comprehensive indexes of Topics and Technical Terms, and Names* Carefully illustrated to explain key points in the text`This rich repository of information on all aspects of language is a must for all libraries in higher education, schools and larger public libraries.’ — Library Review`Each article has an excellent bibliography. In addition, there are comprehensive indexes of topics and technical terms and names. Highly recommended for all college and general public libraries.’ — Choice`This important book is in many ways a state-of-the -art survey of current conceptions of, and approaches to, language, with generous references to more detailed sources. Each chapter has a good bibliography.’ — Language International`A comprehensive guide … with very thorough bibliographies … Collinge’s Encyclopedia is recommended to academic libraries.’ — Reference Reviews`The bibliographies are an invaluable aid … the editor is to be congratulated for having done an excellent job … there are virtually no areas of language and linguistics that do not get a look in somewhere, and there is good signposting in the text itself.’ — Nigel Vincent, Times Higher Education Supplement