This book attempts to provide a broad and not too highly technical coverage of linguistic theory, both historically and in its current status. Although no particular viewpoint is espoused, a penchant for transformation generative grammar is apparent. The text discusses language as a means of communication, the physiology of articulation, phonology, generative transformational grammar, language transformations, historical-comparative linguistics, etymology, and language variation. In addition to a complete bibliography and glossary of terms at the end of the text, each chapter contains notes indicating other sources relating to the area discussed. A workbook with exercises and additional examples is also available. (DD)