Award-winning children's science writer Jude Isabella has compiled everything a young reader would ever want to know about language into one accessible, visually stunning book. In lively text, both spoken and written language are explored, including: a basic history of human's use of language; how individuals learn language as babies, and why; how writing systems and alphabets differ; the many sources and uses of slang through the years; how languages evolved in different parts of the world; and why some languages became extinct. Throughout the pages, more than fifty world languages are highlighted and children are offered opportunities to try out some phrases. Each separate topic is covered on a two-page spread, making the content manageable and approachable, and each spread is enhanced with bite-size sidebars that relate to or expand upon the information presented. The entire book is colorfully illustrated throughout by Kathy Boake's striking and unique artwork.
A child with a strong interest in language could read this book straight through. Mostly, however, it will find use as a reference for any number of classes, from language arts to history to multicultural studies. With the strong focus on understanding and comparing cultures in today's social studies curricula, this book about languages throughout the world offers an interesting and unique way to do that. Simple activities suitable for individuals or groups appear throughout the book. This comprehensive volume is rounded out with essential reference tools, including a table of contents, a glossary and an index.