Word Structure: A Linguistic Introduction

An Introduction to the Study of Words

In his book Word Structure, Richard Coates provides a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the study of words. Drawing on a wide range of examples from different languages, Coates explores the different ways that words are formed and used, and how they can be analyzed and understood.

The Building Blocks of Words

Coates begins by discussing the basic building blocks of words, including phonemes, morphemes, and syllables. He explains how these units are combined to form words, and how they can be used to create new words. For example, the morpheme "un-" can be added to the word "happy" to create the word "unhappy".

The Different Types of Words

Coates then goes on to discuss the different types of words, including nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs. He explains the different functions of these words, and how they can be used to create sentences. For example, the noun "dog" can be used as the subject of a sentence, while the verb "run" can be used to describe what the dog is doing.

The Structure of Words

Coates also discusses the structure of words, including the different ways that words can be divided into syllables. He explains how the structure of a word can affect its pronunciation and meaning. For example, the word "computer" can be divided into two syllables, "com-put-er", while the word "beautiful" can be divided into three syllables, "beau-ti-ful".

The Meaning of Words

Coates concludes by discussing the meaning of words. He explains how words can have different meanings, depending on the context in which they are used. For example, the word "red" can mean the color red, or it can be used to describe something that is angry or dangerous.

Why You Should Read Word Structure

Word Structure is an essential resource for anyone who is interested in the study of words. Coates provides a clear and concise introduction to the field, and he offers a wealth of examples and exercises to help readers understand the concepts that he discusses. Whether you are a student of linguistics, a writer, or simply someone who is interested in language, Word Structure is a book that you will find both informative and enjoyable.

Conclusion

Word Structure is a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the study of words. Coates provides a clear and concise explanation of the different ways that words are formed and used, and he offers a wealth of examples and exercises to help readers understand the concepts that he discusses. Whether you are a student of linguistics, a writer, or simply someone who is interested in language, Word Structure is a book that you will find both informative and enjoyable.