The Oxford Introductions to Language Study is a series of brief, clear introductions to the main areas of language study. These books are written for teachers and students of linguistics and language studies. The layout is carefully structured and easy for readers to follow. Each book is split into three main sections: Survey - an outline of the key concepts and current thinking. Readings - authentic writings from experts and established names. References - suggestions for further reading. Grammar Explains what grammar really is, why languages have to have it, and how different languages exploit it. An introduction by leading grammar expert Michael Swan on the theoretical and pedagogical approaches to grammatical description, the notion of 'universal grammar', the role of grammar in establishing social and educational norms, and the possible future grammar of International English. The author shows that grammar need not be tedious at all, but provides fascinating insights into the different ways in which we conceive of the world and communicate with others.