Background Sources
The encyclopedias and other sources on this guide provide good overview information, including key search terms and often lists of more sources.
Additional print sources regarding Linguistics can be found in multiple call number areas, but particularly the P1 - P1091 call number area of the first floor Reference Room.
Background Information -- General Reference Resources
Use these sources to focus your topic, build a vocabulary, and find additional sources as you begin your research.
The Handbook of Linguistics by
Call Number: P121 .H324 2001Presupposing no prior knowledge of linguistics,The Handbook of Linguistics is the ideal resource for people who want to learn about the subject and its subdisciplines. Click on the title to see the Table of ContentsThe Oxford Handbook of Linguistic Analysis by
Call Number: P126 .O94 2010This handbook compares the main analytic frameworks and methods of contemporary linguistics. Each chapter considers the main goals of a theoretical model; the relation it proposes between lexicon, syntax, semantics,pragmatics, and phonology; the way it defines the interaction between cognition and grammar; what it counts as evidence; and how it explains linguistic change and structure. Click on the title to see the Table of Contents.Oxford Handbook of Applied Linguistics by
Call Number: P129 .O95 2010The Oxford Handbook of Applied Linguistics contains forty original chapters on a broad range of topics in applied linguistics by a diverse group of contributors. Its goal is to provide a comprehensive survey of the current state of the field, the many connections among its various sub-disciplines, and the likely directions of its future development. Click on title to see Table of Contents.The Handbook of Applied Linguistics by
Call Number: P129 .H33 2004The Handbook of Applied Linguistics is a collection of newly commissioned articles that provide a comprehensive and up-to-date picture of the field of Applied Linguistics. Click on title to see Table of Contents.Key Ideas in Linguistics and the Philosophy of Language by
Call Number: P107 .K48 2009 and also ebookThis book offers introductory entries on 80 ideas that have shaped the study of language up to the present day. Each entry includes a brief description of the idea, an account of its development, and its impact on the field of language study. Click on title to open the ebook. Print copy available in the Circulating Collection.International Encyclopedia of Linguistics by
Call Number: P29 .I58 1992A four-volume reference comprising approximately seven hundred alphabetically ordered entries, the IEL provides detailed information on all branches of linguistics. The IEL encompasses the full range of the field of linguistics, including historical, comparative,formal, mathematical, functional, and philosophical linguistics.
Research Starters
We all use Wikipedia, but if you want something authoritative and reliable, Britannica® Academic is a great option. Like all encyclopedias, this source is a good way to find background information on a topic.
- Encyclopedia Britannica - Academic This link opens in a new windowIf the search widget above isn't working, you can click here to access Britannica Academic.
Opposing Viewpoints is a great source for information about current events, especially controversial ones. They provide a wide variety of sources on each topic - everything from opinion essays to scholarly articles. We recommend this source when you're having difficulty coming up with a topic. It's also a good tool if you already have an idea, but aren't sure what direction to take.
- Opposing Viewpoints In Context (Gale) This link opens in a new windowIf the search widget above isn't working, you can click here to access Opposing Viewpoints.
This source is very similar to Opposing Viewpoints in Context - it's a good place to look for information on controversial issues.
- Points of View Reference Source This link opens in a new windowIf the search widget above isn't working, you can click here to access Points of View Reference Center.
Plan Your Research
Not sure how long it will take you to complete an assignment? Want to make sure that you're not stuck at the last minute?
The Assignment Calculator can help you plan your work. Don't forget to email yourself the schedule, or print it - both options are at the bottom of the page.