The Pocket Scots Dictionary, based on the Concise Scots Dictionary, provides information on Scots language for the general public and for schools in a compact and user-friendly form.* Scots words old and new, general and local* Clear, simple definitions* Pronunciation guide for difficult words* Literary uses as in Burns and Scott* Brief history of Scots

This two-way dictionary (Scots-English/English-Scots) provides: * Modern Scots, with some literary words likely to be met in stories or poems* Notes on how to get the most out of your dictionary* Grammar notes and verb lists* Spelling guidance* Help with pronunciation* A brief history of the Scots languageIt can also be used for encouraging the use of Scots in schools and to provide support in the classroom. A useful compact reference book for anyone requiring information on Scots."

Among the topics treated in this collection are the status of Scots as a national language; the orthography of Scots; the actual and potential degree of standardisation of Scots; the debt of the vocabulary of Scots to Gaelic; the use of Scots in fictional dialogue; and the development of Scots as a poetic medium in the modern period. All fourteen articles, written and published between 1979 and 1988, have been extensively revised and updated. J. Derrick McClure is a senior lecturer in the English Department at Aberdeen University and a well-known authority on the history of Scots.

First published in 1985, the new edition of the Concise Scots Dictionary has been revised throughout to reflect modern Scots usage, alongside extensive coverage of older Scots. Combining accessible style, clear layout and a durable hardback format, this is a user-friendly and robust dictionary that you can turn to for reference and enjoyment.

The future of English linguistics as envisaged by the editors of Topics in English Linguistics lies in empirical studies which integrate work in English linguistics into general and theoretical linguistics on the one hand, and comparative linguistics on the other. The TiEL series features volumes that present interesting new data and analyses, and above all fresh approaches that contribute to the overall aim of the series, which is to further outstanding research in English linguistics.