Dictionary of Languages: The Definitive Reference to More Than 400 Languages [Paperback]

A well-ordered, concise, alphabetical summary of over 400 world languages. The basic information for each entry includes the countries or areas where the language is used, the number of people who use it, and a brief historical survey... This is a volume for every library and home. Council on National Literatures The extensive range of languages covered makes this an extremely useful source... A welcome addition. Booklist Comprehensive and engaging... Dalby's Dictionary of Languages is enriched by its author's lively presentation of historical detail and the wide-ranging and often intriguing selections of material from the languages discussed. AB Bookman's Weekly This highly practical work intended for the non-specialist is an excellent source for browsing or reference. Library Journal (starred review) An approachable, historical linguistic dictionary of the 400 'major languages of the 20th century.' Rich yet concise... This is an excellent source. -- A. C. Moore Choice This book provides the sort of information about the languages of the world that is most often sought by the curious reader, and as such it should be available in every library. It would be right at home in many a private collection as well. -- Peter T. Daniels Language in Society Reliable for specialists, fun for browsers, this big book is a very useful reference tool. -- Leonard R. N. Ashley Geolinguistics Vol.31, 2005 This is a volume for every library and home. Book Digest (Council On National Literatures) Vol. 1, No. 4 --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

'A welcome paperback edition of a wonderfully readable book which transcends its own limits as a super-specialised reference work to become a joyously accessible celebration of the sheer diversity of humankind.' The Scotsman 'Splendid guidebook... an endlessly fascinating achievement.' The Guardian 'A delight, a cornucopia of information, of easy reference, and of rich enjoyment.' The Linguist 'The linguistic waterfront it covers is concomitantly spacious... an astonishing quantity of information... certainly a candidate for any language fan's wishlist.' The Evening Standard

Covering the political, social and historical background of each language, Dictionary of Languages offers a unique insight into human culture and communication. Every language with official status is included, as well as all those that have a written literature and 175 'minor' languages with special historical or anthropological interest. We see how, with the rapidly increasing uniformity of our culture as media's influence spreads, more languages have become extinct or are under threat of extinction. The text is highlighted by maps and charts of scripts, while proverbs, anecdotes and quotations reveal the features that make a language unique.

Andrew Dalby is a historian and linguist. His languages include Sanskrit, Pali, Latin, Greek, Portuguese, Romanian, German, and Burmese. He is the author of several books. He studied classics and linguistics at St John's College, Cambridge, and gained a PhD from London University.