A book critique

A book critique on Linguistics

Widdowson (1996) defines his innovative work: Linguistics as “a succinct but lucid outline of the ways in which language has been defined, described and explored” (p.1). Indeed, this remarkable study stirs a sense of accomplishment by easing the reader into the daunting task of understanding complex ideas and intricate concepts. The reader is provided with academic initiation into a discipline that has always been approached by prolific and technical literature, appropriately so, given its purpose.

The book is divided into four sections – namely survey, readings, references and glossary – intended to cater for the varied interests of the readership. The survey section provides concise but comprehensive insight into the area of language study. Careful examination of the nature of language and its differentiation from animal communication, its scope and principles of analysis and its areas of enquiry, among other topics, are enlightened by clear explanations and enriching examples. Widdowson’s (1996) meticulous research is accessible to the nonprofessional reader. Under no circumstances, though, should it be considered simplistic since the complex intricacies of the discipline are at no point overlooked.

Especially noteworthy is the attachment of a readings section displaying a compendium of texts that expands the issues discussed in the previous section, allowing the reader to make cross-author connections. The introduction of some questions at the end of each text encourages exploration on specific notions the author aims to draw upon. Equally significant for linguistics students, teachers, and any reader who might be interested in the basic concerns of human language, is the inclusion of a glossary. Terms that appear in bold type in the survey analysis are referenced and clarified in this section.

All things considered, Widdowson (1996) thrives in his attempt to identify relevant concepts in the area of language study by putting forward brief expositions without confronting the essentially academic tone of his research. Specialized readers and teachers will inevitably profit from this insightful scrutiny. For the inexperienced student, however, Widdowson’s (1996) book would have been more convincing if the author had accompanied his survey explanations with inquiring exercises fostering reflection and furthering personal exploration. Had this been successfully accomplished, the resulting product would have been not only exceptionally practical but also irrefutable.

References

Widdowson, H. (1996). Linguistics. Oxford: Oxford University Press.