This accessible and engaging textbook offers a practical approach to understanding the complexity of language by exploring language use and language learning in a wide variety of contexts. Bringing together leading specialists who are active researchers in the field of linguistics, this book introduces readers to major fields of language study by focusing on social, cultural and historical factors that show the dynamic nature of language. Topics explored include first and second language acquisition, grammar, meaning-making and pragmatics, language use and technology, language variation, and English as a global language. This book surveys major principles and shows how to apply them through structured discussion topics and activities to facilitate a greater understanding and appreciation of language. This is essential reading for undergraduate students taking courses in linguistics and language use, and a valuable resource for students of communication studies, media studies, sociology and anthropology.

This accessible and engaging textbook offers a practical approach to understanding the complexity of language by exploring language use and language learning in a wide variety of contexts. Bringing together leading specialists who are active researchers in the field of linguistics, this book introduces readers to major fields of language study by focusing on social, cultural and historical factors that show the dynamic nature of language. Topics explored include first and second language acquisition, grammar, meaning-making and pragmatics, language use and technology, language variation, and English as a global language. This book surveys major principles and shows how to apply them through structured discussion topics and activities to facilitate a greater understanding and appreciation of language. This is essential reading for undergraduate students taking courses in linguistics and language use, and a valuable resource for students of communication studies, media studies, sociology and anthropology.

Now in its fourth edition, this is a comprehensive yet concise introduction to professional writing for different media, which synthesises methods and ideas developed in journalism, public relations, management and marketing. Based on research in the field, it equips students with the ability to convey their ideas in a wealth of print and digital formats, in a variety of professional contexts internationally. It begins by examining the different aspects of the writing process before showing students how to adjust their style, tone and approach for different documents, including short memos, feature articles, press releases and reports. This new edition will continue to be an essential companion for undergraduates on professional writing and business communication modules. It will also be a valuable source of guidance for new professionals and entrepreneurs needing to get to grips with writing formal written documents. New to this Edition: - Fully revised throughout with coverage of a wider variety of journalistic writing - New content on mission and vision statements, annual reports and newsletters, alongside an overview of how organisations use social media and respond to crises - Includes more analysed examples of business documents Accompanying online resources for this title can be found at bloomsburyonlineresources.com/professional-writing-4e. These resources are designed to support teaching and learning when using this textbook and are available at no extra cost.