Here, at last, is a text on Italian linguistics that clearly presents all of the key concepts in a form designed specifically for English-speaking students. This unique book will fill a major gap in the curriculum of undergraduate and graduate programs in Italian linguistics.

The authors explain complex linguistics ideas in a logical, succinct, and accessible style. Subjects and concepts such as phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, discourse, and variation are treated in detail, using carefully selected examples. The follow-up activities at the end of each chapter provide opportunities for review and practical application, with questions that invite reflection and additional research.

"The Sounds, Forms, and Uses of Italian" will serve as a basic reference for anyone with an interest in the Italian language. Teachers of Italian at all levels will find it a valuable resource, and students will appreciate the clarity and ease with which it guides them through a difficult subject.

The late Gianrenzo P. Clivio was Professor, Department of Italian Studies, University of Toronto.

Gianrenzo P. Clivio's profile page

MARCEL DANESI teaches on the history of puzzles at Victoria College of the University of Toronto. Danesi has written puzzles for Reader’s Digest, The Toronto Star, and also maintains a blog on puzzles for Psychology Today. He has also published several best-selling puzzle books, such as The Total Brain Workout and The Complete Brain Workout.

Marcel Danesi's profile page

'The two authors have skillfilly synthesized an esoteric subject so that even a college student enrolled in Italian Linguistics 101 can easily understand this basic textbook and can enrich his/her knowledge of Italian... anyone using this textbook will find it to be a positive asset to his personal library, and all students of Italian linguistics should definitely acquire this volume.'

Geolinguistics