The Language Web

Language is like a vast spider's web. In this volume Aitchison explores the different facets of this web. This is the text of the 1996 BBC Reith lectures, slightly revised for publication, with illustrations and full references, and an Afterword which looks at the reception of the lectures.

1. A web of worries: anxiety about language; 2. A web of deceit: the origin of language; 3. Building the web: acquiring language; 4. A web of words: remembering words; 5. A world-wide web: options and snares.