As its subtitle puts it, Foundations of English grammar is intended for university students and advanced learners. Thus it positions itself between grammars for the general public, which must shy away from calling on linguistic concepts, and major scholarly descriptions of English, which are definitely beyond the grasp of someone without previous linguistic knowledge. Foundations does not presuppose that: it explains all the linguistic concepts it uses. But since it is primarily intended for university students, these concepts are fairly sophisticated, and they come from a wide range of linguistic schools. Foundations is neither a contrastive grammar (systematically comparing English with Dutch) nor a normative one (though it will signal disputed usages that are current). It is a descriptive grammar of modern, living English, concentrating on British English, with brief discussions of important American English features. In this sixth edition, eight chapters have been revised, some very extensively: roughly, those on the noun phrase, on verbal complementation, and on the complex sentence.New grammatical concepts have been introduced and others have been defined more sharply, most obviously in chapter zero, which explains the basic framework, but elsewhere as well. When possible, explanations have been simplified, when necessary, they have been made more precise. Recent changes in the English language have been accounted for, in grammar as well as in usage. A noticeable change in all revised chapters is that the examples, many of which had to be made up in the pre-computer age, are now all real-life examples, culled mainly from the world-wide web. Though conceived first and foremost as a textbook, Foundations has always been and remains eminently serviceable as a reference grammar, thanks to its detailed tables of contents (each chapter has its own), its extensive index and its many cross references.

"English is so illogical!" It is generally believed that English is a language of exceptions. For many, learning to spell and read is frustrating. For some, it is impossible... especially for the 29% of Americans who are functionally illiterate. But what if the problem is not the language itself, but the rules we were taught? What if we could see the complexity of English as a powerful tool rather than a hindrance? --Denise Eide Uncovering the Logic of English challenges the notion that English is illogical by systematically explaining English spelling and answering questions like "Why is there a silent final E in have, large, and house?" and "Why is discussion spelled with -sion rather than -tion?" With easy-to-read examples and anecdotes, this book describes: - the phonograms and spelling rules which explain 98% of English words - how English words are formed and how this knowledge can revolutionize vocabulary development - how understanding the reasons behind English spelling prevents students from needing to guess The author's inspiring commentary makes a compelling case that understanding the logic of English could transform literacy education and help solve America's literacy crisis. Thorough and filled with the latest linguistic and reading research, Uncovering the Logic of English demonstrates why this systematic approach should be as foundational to our education as 1+1=2.

How does human language work? How do we put ideas into words that others can understand? Can linguistics shed light on the way the brain operates? Foundations of Language puts linguistics back at the centre of the search to understand human consciousness. Ray Jackendoff begins by surveying the developments in linguistics over the years since Noam Chomsky's Aspects of the Theory of Syntax. He goes on to propose a radical re-conception of how the brain processes language. This opens up vivid new perspectives on every major aspect of language and communication, including grammar, vocabulary, learning, the origins of human language, and how language relates to the real world. Foundations of Language makes important connections with other disciplines which have been isolated from linguistics for many years. It sets a new agenda for close cooperation between the study of language, mind, the brain, behaviour, and evolution.

An introductory textbook that assumes no prior knowledge of linguistics or second language acquisition, this book presents a comprehensive overview of the theoretical foundations, methods and practices of Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) for pre-service teachers. Lennon covers the theoretical bases for TEFL and addresses second language-acquisition research, past and present EFL teaching methodology, as well as psychological and social approaches to individual language-learner variation. Further chapters provide extensive yet accessible coverage on essential foundational topics, including chapters on pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, literature and testing. Offering a sociocultural approach in which the teacher is seen as a facilitator and supporter of students’ self-directed learning, this text provides the prospective teacher with the knowledge and skills to be an effective educator in the EFL classroom. The targeted EFL focus makes this book ideal for pre-service teachers and for teacher training programmes around the world. Each chapter includes a Food for Thought section with questions for reflection and a Further Reading list.

Looking for an easy-to-use guide to English grammar? This handy introduction covers all the basics of the subject, using a simple and straightforward style. Students will find the book's step-by-step approach easy to follow and be encouraged by its non-technical language. Requiring no prior knowledge of English grammar, the information is presented in small steps, with objective techniques to help readers apply concepts. With clear explanations and well chosen examples, the book gives students the tools to understand the mysteries of English grammar as well as the perfect foundation from which to move on to more advanced topics.