This new, thoroughly revised edition of the acclaimed Cambridge Encyclopedia of Language incorporates the major developments in language study which have taken place since the mid-1990s. Two main new areas have been added: the rise of electronic communication in all its current forms, from email to tweeting, and the crisis affecting the world"s languages, of which half are thought to be so seriously endangered that they will die out this century. `... magnificently demonstrates Professor Crystal"s outstanding breadth of knowledge, incisiveness of judgment and superb skills at getting to the heart of highly complex issues in a clear and straightforward manner". Randolph Quirk, FBA `... David Crystal has a great facility for explaining language issues with plain good sense, wit and admirable brevity". The Times Educational Supplement `Investigates every conceivable corner of the world of language", The Christian Science Monitor `... remarkably accessible ... the writing is plain and non-technical ..." Toronto Globe and Mail