An Introduction to English Language is designed as a coursebook for students and teachers of English and introductory linguistics, which presupposes no prior knowledge of the sounds, words, sentences and meanings of English. Believing that the best way to learn is through listening and doing, the authors have packed this lively book full of worked examples and exercises drawn from a range of discourses to consolidate the student's knowledge, competence and enjoyment of the subject. The second edition has been substantially revised to incorporate examples of regional and social variation from English-speaking communities worldwide, including Africa, America, Australia, the Caribbean, Asia, New Zealand and the UK. The authors have also graded the exercises so that they gradually increase in difficulty.