Designed for those starting out in the study of language, this manual, which has become a classic over time, is a particularly agile introduction to linguistics. Making a journey from its origin, it allows to reach a solid knowledge on all the essential questions of linguistics and approach the analysis of its key elements (sounds, words, structures and meanings). All kinds of fascinating questions are discussed in this book, such as how conversation works, the process by which children acquire language skills, the reasons why women and men speak differently, and the how a language varies from one region to another or between different social groups. The third edition of the book has been rigorously revised, in order to include new sections and issues of special relevance in the current study of language, among which we can mention the relationship between language and culture, African-American English, gestures or the use of slang in today's societies. A comprehensive glossary has been included, providing particularly useful explanations of technical terms, and each chapter also contains new exercises and research tasks, the solution of which is listed at the end of each chapter. Unrivaled in popularity, Language is undoubtedly one of the best introductions to the field of Linguistics.