Beginning Linguistics Texts

[Wayne Kirk]

This may be a bit outside of B-Greek as it doesn't relate specifically to Greek, but I know that there are a number of people on the list with expertise in the area.

I would like suggestions on some beginning linguistic books. Feel free to PM your responses as, again, this isn't really a question about the Greek language.

Thanks,

Wayne Kirk

[Eeli Kaikkonen]

I can share my experience as one who wants to know more about linguistics and apply it to Koine. First you have to just find some general introduction to linguistics. Maybe it explains the areas of research and possibly schools of study or theoretical frameworks or paradigms. In http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linguistics you can see what to expect. I don't know if it matters much which title you choose at this level. If you have time, read couple of them.

Then you have to choose some area about which you want to know more. I recommend semantics first. Some good introductions:

Meaning in Language - An Introduction to Semantics and Pragmatics by Alan Cruse

Semantics by John I. Saeed

Some good series of books, of which the above are representatives:
http://eu.wiley.com/WileyCDA/Section/id-398187.html
http://www.us.oup.com/us/catalog/genera ... /?view=usa
http://www.cambridge.org/gb/knowledge/s ... cale=en_GB

If you tell what your goals are it's easier to give recommendations.