在每两周消失一种语言，而新词几乎每天都在涌现的背景下，理解语言的起源和流行从未像现在这样重要。在这本引人入胜的书中（为小读者撰写的一部清晰的叙述性历史），语言学专家戴维•克里斯特尔（David Crystal）证明了为什么语言故事值得重新讲述。

从婴儿说的**批词语到特殊的发短信所使用的特殊现代方言，《语言小史》涉及广泛，揭示了语言的众多复杂性和怪异之处。Crystal以动画方式阐明了特殊语言风格的发展，晦涩的口音的起源以及对**个书面词语的搜索。他讨论了濒危语言的困境，以及成功振兴语言的案例。除了历史之外，Crystal的作品远不止一部历史那么简单，它还展望了语言的未来，探索了技术对我们日常阅读，写作和演讲的影响。通过启发性的表格，图表和测验，以及Crystal的生动有趣的风格，《语言小史》将揭示语言的故事，一个适合各个年龄段的迷人故事。

Now in paperback, in the tradition of E. H. Gombrich's A Little History of the World, a lively journey through the story of language

With a language disappearing every two weeks and neologisms springing up almost daily, an understanding of the origins and currency of language has never seemed more relevant. In this charming volume, a narrative history written explicitly for a young audience, expert linguist David Crystal proves why the story of language deserves retelling.

From the first words of an infant to the peculiar modern dialect of text messaging, A Little Book of Language ranges widely, revealing language’s myriad intricacies and quirks. In animated fashion, Crystal sheds light on the development of unique linguistic styles, the origins of obscure accents, and the search for the first written word. He discusses the plight of endangered languages, as well as successful cases of linguistic revitalization. Much more than a history, Crystal’s work looks forward to the future of language, exploring the effect of technology on our day-to-day reading, writing, and speech. Through enlightening tables, diagrams, and quizzes, as well as Crystal’s avuncular and entertaining style, A Little Book of Language will reveal the story of language to be a captivating tale for all ages.