China today is never out of the news: from human rights controversies and the continued legacy of Tiananmen Square, to global coverage of the Beijing Olympics, and the Chinese economic miracle. It seems a country of contradictions: a peasant society with some of the world's most futuristic cities, heir to an ancient civilization that is still trying to find a modern identity. This Very Short Introduction offers the reader with no previous knowledge of China a variety of ways to understand the world's most populous nation, giving a short, integrated picture of modern Chinese society, culture, economy, politics and art.

This brand new edition celebrating 20 years of R. W. Holder's popular and successful dictionary of euphemisms is packed full of traditional favourites, such as 'Dutch uncle' or 'push up the daisies', as well as euphemisms from the contemporary world such as 'restructuring', 'coffee-housing', 'extrajudicial killing'. Definitions include examples from real authors, along with entertaining explanations of their origins. To prove that the use of euphemisms is not just a British speciality, there is widespread coverage of American euphemisms, too: for example, 'English' (pertaining to sexual deviance) and 'watermelon' (an indication of pregnancy). The A-Z organization of the text is complemented by a thematic index with short introductory articles on fruitful areas of euphemistic language such as business, sex, death, and the human body. This book remains the most lively and authoritative guide to the language of evasion, hypocrisy, prudery, and deceit.

The city will fall, and fall soon. And when it happens — well, I've seen it before, and I don't want to see it again. I shouldn't think Joey does either. So I just hope that whatever he's brought us here for, we can be done with it and away again before the soldiers get in. They don't leave anything standing or anybody living. Mal doesn't know why they're heading into the city. But Joey has decided they must. And Joey, she knows, has a very special power... Inside the city, she's not the only one interested in Joey. Two rival gangs both see the arrival of this strange visionary boy — the Crowboy — as a chance to gain supremacy. But is Joey really so special? As the war tightens its grip on the city, the gangs are forced into a final conflict. It is time for the true purpose of the Crowboy to be revealed...

This book is the first comprehensive presentation of Functional Discourse Grammar, a new and important theory of language structure. The authors set out its nature and origins and show how it relates to contemporary linguistic theory. They demonstrate and test its explanatory power and descriptive utility against linguistic facts from over 150 languages across a wide range of linguistic families. After a full introduction the book is divided into chapters concerned with the four levels of grammatical representation — pragmatic, semantic, morphosyntactic, and phonological — each of which has its own hierarchical structure. Functional Discourse Grammar offers a thorough account of how the use and meaning of language influence linguistic form by conditioning two levels of formulation which feed into two levels of encoding, all with their own specific characteristics. The book offers an ideal introduction to the theory and its applications in typology and description for scholars in linguistics and related fields from graduate students upwards.

This book scrutinizes recent work in phonological theory from the perspective of Chomskyan generative linguistics and argues that progress in the field depends on taking seriously the idea that phonology is best studied as a mental computational system derived from an innate base, phonological Universal Grammar. Two simple problems of phonological analysis provide a frame for a variety of topics throughout the book. The competence-performance distinction and markedness theory are both addressed in some detail, especially with reference to phonological acquisition. Several aspects of Optimality Theory, including the use of Output-Output Correspondence, functionalist argumentation and dependence on typological justification are critiqued. The authors draw on their expertise in historical linguistics to argue that diachronic evidence is often mis-used to bolster phonological arguments, and they present a vision of the proper use of such evidence. Issues of general interest for cognitive scientists, such as whether categories are discrete and whether mental computation is probabilistic are also addressed. The book ends with concrete proposals to guide future phonological research.The breadth and depth of the discussion, ranging from details of current analyses to the philosophical underpinnings of linguistic science, is presented in a direct style with as little recourse to technical language as possible.

Stimulating activities within a graded syllabus. • It follows a carefully graded syllabus which allows for recycling of language. • A complete comic-strip adventure story runs through each book, featuring ace detective Captain Shadow. This provides a memorable context for new language and maintains motivation. • It involves children in a variety of other fun activities, such as songs, rhymes, games, and puzzles, which are all used to practise language in an enjoyable way. • It gives children a thorough grounding in listening, speaking, reading and writing.

New Headway is the course teachers and learners can rely on. Why? An authoritative integrated syllabus, motivating topics, and clearly focused tasks combine with a real understanding of what works in the classroom. It all makes for effective teaching and effective learning. Tried and tested all over the world, it`s probably the most popular course ever written!

- New Headway Elementary keeps to the successful framework of the original edition, but has been transformed by fresh new material throughout, a more accessible feel, and a completely new design. — The majority of the reading and listening texts have been replaced with vibrant new material on up-to-date topics with a more global outlook than before. — There is now a higher proportion of speaking activities, maintaining the balance between communicative and more traditional approaches. — The units are shorter, simpler, and clearer for students. The activities and instructions have been adapted and trimmed, but the book retains the same emphasis on thorough practice, ranging from very controlled to freer tasks. — The vocabulary syllabus is more tightly controlled than before to make it more manageable for beginners. — A new 'Starter' section at the beginning of each unit features a warm-up activity, often personalized, to lead into the topic and grammar of the unit. — New 'Grammar Spots' provide a mixture of explanation and self-check tasks for the grammar presented in the unit. The Grammar Summaries and Language Reviews are now at the back of the Student's Book for reference. — The 'Everyday English' sections at the end of each unit continue to provide key functional, situational, and survival work, but are now even more lively and conversational. — A new, separate Teacher's Resource Book is available with photocopiable games and activities to supplement the main course material.

Настоящее, четвёртое издание Oxford Russian Dictionary продолжает традиции предыдущих изданий Словаря. В новом издании получили отражение наиболее значимые изменения в лексике русского и английского языков, происшедшие за последние годы и коснувшиеся, прежде всего, таких динамично развивающихся сфер жизнедеятельности, как информационные технологии, финансы и торговля, медицина и популярная культура. Важными новшествами Словаря стали статьи-врезки о культурных реалиях Великобритании, США и России, а также образцы написания писем, в т. ч. и электронных, и резюме на обоих языках. В новом издании Словаря тщательным образом учитываются новейшие тенденции английского правописания, в частности постепенный отказ от употребления дефиса в составных словах. Специально для русскоязычной аудитории в Словарь включены краткое руководство по английскому произношению, свод основных правил английской грамматики и таблица неправильных глаголов. В помощь англоязычным пользователям предлагаются краткое руководство по русскому произношению, памятка по спряжению русских глаголов и глоссарий грамматических терминов.

Lively, accessible, and up-to-date, this encyclopedia is an invaluable quick-reference work. Its compact size and clear concise style make it easy to find information on a vast range of subjects quickly and easily. Over 12,000 entries include coverage of science, technology, the arts, politics, sports, geography, folklore and mythology, inventions, architecture, literature, design, and philosophy, as well as numerous concise biographies of internationally famous world figures. The Encyclopedia also features maps of the world, and is fully illustrated with line drawings and diagrams. Suitable for family reference, students, and a handy desk reference for professionals, there is a wealth of information in this portable, affordable volume.

Англо-русско-английский словарь. С приложениями по грамматике и культуре.

New Chatterbox brings this much loved series up-to-date with brand-new content reflecting changes in teaching practice and an increase in cross-cultural awareness. The core syllabus, structure, and approach remain the same. The new Starter level makes the course ideal for complete beginners. • New Captain Shadow stories, with story exploitation pages in the Activity Book for each episode. • 'My World' pages in the Pupil's Book feature life in the English-speaking world. • 'My World' pages in the Activity Book offer cross-cultural comparison and creative projects. • Assessment section in the Teacher's Book containing progress tests and a self-assessment portfolio. • Communicative games allow children to review key language. • Festival-based activities and class plays extend language skills.

New Chatterbox brings this much loved series up-to-date with brand-new content reflecting changes in teaching practice and an increase in cross-cultural awareness. The core syllabus, structure, and approach remain the same. The new Starter level makes the course ideal for complete beginners. • New Captain Shadow stories, with story exploitation pages in the Activity Book for each episode. • 'My World' pages in the Pupil's Book feature life in the English-speaking world. • 'My World' pages in the Activity Book offer cross-cultural comparison and creative projects. • Assessment section in the Teacher's Book containing progress tests and a self-assessment portfolio. • Communicative games allow children to review key language. • Festival-based activities and class plays extend language skills.

- Explores the endlessly fascinating world of words — World-renowned expert draws on a lifetime's experience — From the world's No. 1 language publisher Words, Words, Words is all about the wonder of words. Drawing on a lifetime's experience, David Crystal explores language in all its rich varieties through words: the very building blocks of our communication. Language has no life of its own: it only exists in the mouths and ears, hands, eyes and brains of its users. As we are guided expertly and passionately through the mysteries and delights of word origins, histories, spellings, regional and social variations, taboo words, jargon, and wordplay, the contribution we all play in shaping the linguistic world around us becomes evident. Words, Words, Words is a celebration of what we say and how we say it. It invites us to engage linguistically with who we are: to understand what words tell us about where we come from and what we do. And as they continually shape our lives, it suggests ways that we can look at words anew and get involved with collecting and coining words ourselves.

90% new, with refreshed content and new features. — 12 units (previously 14) fit better with school syllabuses and course length. — New angles on topics, new reading texts and listenings, and new design and illustrations are combined with the tried and tested methodology. — More integrated pronunciation practice including Music of English boxes focusing on word and sentence stress, and extra pronunciation work in every unit of the Workbook. — 12 complete writing lessons. Model texts and practice exercises help students produce more interesting and accurate writing. — New Grammar Reference with integrated practice exercises in the Student's Book. — New Workbook features allow students to read texts, and practise listening and pronunciation at home, alongside the usual grammar and vocabulary exercises.

90% new, with refreshed content and new features. — 12 units (previously 14) fit better with school syllabuses and course length. — New angles on topics, new reading texts and listenings, and new design and illustrations are combined with the tried and tested methodology. — More integrated pronunciation practice including Music of English boxes focusing on word and sentence stress, and extra pronunciation work in every unit of the Workbook. — 12 complete writing lessons. Model texts and practice exercises help students produce more interesting and accurate writing. — New Grammar Reference with integrated practice exercises in the Student's Book. — New Workbook features allow students to read texts, and practise listening and pronunciation at home, alongside the usual grammar and vocabulary exercises.

Help your students read their way to better English with this new edition of the world's best graded readers — now with a new range of World Stories, fully revised Factfiles, more audio, and new tests. The new edition includes the original Bookworms stories, plus the Starters, Playscripts and Factfiles, making it easy for you to see the full choice of books at each Stage. The highly acclaimed seven-stage system of grading, from Starter to Stage 6, remains the same, helping you to find the right level for all your students. In a city in Arabia there lives a boy called Aladdin. He is poor and often hungry, but one day he finds an old lamp. When he rubs the lamp, smoke comes out of it, and then out of the smoke comes a magical jinnee. With the jinnee's help, Aladdin is soon rich, with gold and jewels and many fine things. But can he win the love of the Sultan's daughter, the beautiful Princess Badr-al-Budur?

Help your students read their way to better English with this new edition of the world's best graded readers — now with a new range of World Stories, fully revised Factfiles, more audio, and new tests. The new edition includes the original Bookworms stories, plus the Starters, Playscripts and Factfiles, making it easy for you to see the full choice of books at each Stage. The highly acclaimed seven-stage system of grading, from Starter to Stage 6, remains the same, helping you to find the right level for all your students. He is not beautiful. His mother does not want him, children run away from him. People laugh at him, and call him 'The Elephant Man'. Then someone speaks to him — and listens to him! At the age of 27, Joseph Merrick finds a friend for the first time in his life. This is a true and tragic story. It is also a famous film.

Help your students read their way to better English with this new edition of the world's best graded readers — now with a new range of World Stories, fully revised Factfiles, more audio, and new tests. The new edition includes the original Bookworms stories, plus the Starters, Playscripts and Factfiles, making it easy for you to see the full choice of books at each Stage. The highly acclaimed seven-stage system of grading, from Starter to Stage 6, remains the same, helping you to find the right level for all your students. Sara Crewe is a very rich little girl. She first comes to England when she is seven, and her father takes her to Miss Minchin's school in London. Then he goes back to his work in India. Sara is very sad at first, but she soon makes friends at school. But on her eleventh birthday, something terrible happens, and now Sara has no family, no home, and not a penny in the world...

Help your students read their way to better English with this new edition of the world's best graded readers — now with a new range of World Stories, fully revised Factfiles, more audio, and new tests. The new edition includes the original Bookworms stories, plus the Starters, Playscripts and Factfiles, making it easy for you to see the full choice of books at each Stage. The highly acclaimed seven-stage system of grading, from Starter to Stage 6, remains the same, helping you to find the right level for all your students. Outside, the night is cold and wet. Inside, the White family sits and waits. Where is their visitor? There is a knock at the door. A man is standing outside in the dark. Their visitor has arrived. The visitor waits. He has been in India for many years. What has he got? He has brought the hand of a small, dead animal — a monkey's paw. Outside, in the dark, the visitor smiles and waits for the door to open.