Carol Genetti is a Professor of Linguistics and the Anne and Michael Towbes Graduate Dean at University of California, Santa Barbara. She is a specialist in Himalayan languages and in the documentation and description of previously undescribed languages. Her Grammar of Dolakha Newar (2007) was awarded the inaugural Von der Gabelentz book award from the international Association for Linguistic Typology. She has published numerous articles, especially on the syntax of clause combining in Tibeto-Burman languages, but also on phonology, morphology, syntax, discourse, typology, grammaticalization, grammar writing, and historical linguistics. In addition, Professor Genetti has a strong interest in the documentation and conservation of endangered languages. She was founding Director of the Institute on Field Linguistics and Language Documentation (InField/CoLang) and Chair of the Committee on Endangered Languages and their Preservation.
Advance praise: 'Genetti's and the contributing authors' careful consideration of and attention to the reader's needs make for a highly engaging and comprehensive revised volume which goes well beyond constituting just another introductory textbook in the field. The volume is most readable, providing a solid, up-to-date understanding in chapters which span the full scope of expected areas.' Martin Howard, University College, Cork Advance praise: 'This is an excellent text, novel in its approach to the study of language. It assumes no prior knowledge, provides a step-by-step guide to the building blocks of language, with up-to-date examples from across the globe. Other features of the text, such as the sidebars, stop-and-reflect boxes, wireless icons, and instructions for tutors and students alike, are like goodies in a toolbox for both the initiates and novices to this complex area of human communication.' Ayo Amuda, University of South Wales Advance praise: 'This impressive textbook comprises carefully dovetailed chapters by renowned linguists, combining introductions into numerous subfields with discussions of current controversies from a typological perspective. Both beginners and advanced students are catered for with a wide range of language profiles and exercises.' Florian Haas, Friedrich-Schiller-Universitat Jena Advance praise: 'The biggest strength of this book is that it greatly improves students' analytical skills through an abundance of interesting data from a variety of languages.' Eva Kardos, University of Debrecen Advance praise: 'How Languages Work captures the joy of linguistics by immersing readers in data from an amazing array of languages. Innovative exercises use online resources to introduce the linguistic world outside the classroom.' Clifton L. Pye, University of Kansas