Skip to content

Word Play: What Happens When People Talk
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Word Play: What Happens When People Talk Paperback - 1993

by Peter Farb

This erudite yet irresistibly readable examination of the rules and strategies of language deals with such topics as: why certain words make us wince or blush; differences in language between men and women; and the uncanny similarities among nursery rhymes all over the world. "Absorbing . . . curious, amusing, and enlightening".--The New York Times.


From the publisher

Why do certain words make us blush or wince? Why do men and women really speak different languages? Why do nursery rhymes in vastly different societies possess similar rhyme and rhythm patterns? What do slang, riddles and puns secretly have in common? This erudite yet irresistibly readable book examines the game of language: its players, strategies, and hidden rules. Drawing on the most fascinating linguistic studies--and touching on everything from the Marx Brothers to linguistic sexism, from the phenomenon of glossolalia to Apache names for automobile parts--Word Play shows what really happens when people talk, no matter what language they happen to be using.

From the jacket flap

Why do certain words make us blush or wince? Why do men and women really speak different languages? Why do nursery rhymes in vastly different societies possess similar rhyme and rhythm patterns? What do slang, riddles and puns secretly have in common?
This erudite yet irresistibly readable book examines the game of language: its players, strategies, and hidden rules. Drawing on the most fascinating linguistic studies--and touching on everything from the Marx Brothers to linguistic sexism, from the phenomenon of glossolalia to Apache names for automobile parts--Word Play shows what really happens when people talk, no matter what language they happen to be using. "A captivating, almost entirely unpedantic book...solidly founded in scholarship, love of language, and an unabashed worldliness about play itself."--Washington Post
"Absorbing...so curious, amusing, and enlightening...we almost inadvertently learn a great deal about linguistics. [But] it seems scarcely to matter what we've learned...we've simply had too much fun."--The New York Times

Details

  • Title Word Play: What Happens When People Talk
  • Author Peter Farb
  • Binding Paperback
  • Edition First Vintage Ed
  • Pages 384
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher Vintage, New York, New York, U.S.A.
  • Date 1993-03-31
  • Illustrated Yes
  • ISBN 9780679734086 / 0679734082
  • Weight 0.71 lbs (0.32 kg)
  • Dimensions 8.02 x 5.24 x 0.84 in (20.37 x 13.31 x 2.13 cm)
  • Library of Congress subjects Language and languages, Psycholinguistics
  • Library of Congress Catalog Number 92056361
  • Dewey Decimal Code 401.9

About the author

Peter Farb's early work in the comparative study of Mediterranean languages, as well as his research collecting folk ballads and various styles of speech in isolated communities in the American South, led to a distinguished career in anthropological linguistics, where he specialized in remote, non-European languages. His extensive knowledge of a variety of American Indian languages--in North America as well as in Mexico, Central America, and Brazil--produced two best-selling books, Man's Rise to Civilization as Shown by the Indians of North America and Face of North America. His various works have been translated into 14 languages.Mr. Farb served as a consultant at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC, and as curator of American Indian Cultures at the Riverside Museum in New York City.
Back to Top

More Copies for Sale

Word Play: What Happens When People Talk
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Word Play: What Happens When People Talk

by Farb, Peter

  • Used
Condition
Used - Very Good
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780679734086 / 0679734082
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Waltham, Massachusetts, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$1.74
$3.00 shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Vintage. Used - Very Good.
Item Price
$1.74
$3.00 shipping to USA
Word Play: What Happens When People Talk [Paperback] Farb, Peter
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Word Play: What Happens When People Talk [Paperback] Farb, Peter

by Farb, Peter

  • Used
  • very good
  • Paperback
Condition
Used - Very Good
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780679734086 / 0679734082
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Belmont, Massachusetts, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$3.45
$4.50 shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Vintage, 1993-03-30. paperback. Very Good. 5x0x8. This book may be an ex-library item.This book is in very good condition, with only minor signs of wear and use. The pages may contain limited notes or highlighting, but overall, the text remains clean and legible. The cover and spine are also in great shape, with only minimal shelf wear or creasing. This book has been well-maintained and still presents a clean and attractive appearance.
Item Price
$3.45
$4.50 shipping to USA
Word Play: What Happens When People Talk
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Word Play: What Happens When People Talk

by Farb, Peter

  • Used
Condition
Used - Very Good
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780679734086 / 0679734082
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Frederick, Maryland, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 4 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$3.99
$3.99 shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Vintage. Used - Very Good. Very Good condition. A copy that may have a few cosmetic defects. May also contain a few markings such as an owner’s name, short gifter’s inscription or light stamp.
Item Price
$3.99
$3.99 shipping to USA
Word Play: What Happens When People Talk
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Word Play: What Happens When People Talk

by Farb, Peter

  • Used
Condition
Used - Good
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780679734086 / 0679734082
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Frederick, Maryland, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 4 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$3.99
$3.99 shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Vintage. Used - Good. Good condition. A copy that has been read but remains intact. May contain markings such as bookplates, stamps, limited notes and highlighting, or a few light stains.
Item Price
$3.99
$3.99 shipping to USA
Word Play : What Happens When People Talk
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Word Play : What Happens When People Talk

by Farb, Peter

  • Used
Condition
Used - Good
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780679734086 / 0679734082
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Mishawaka, Indiana, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$5.00
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group. Used - Good. Former library book; may include library markings. Used book that is in clean, average condition without any missing pages.
Item Price
$5.00
FREE shipping to USA
Word Play : What Happens When People Talk

Word Play : What Happens When People Talk

by Peter Farb

  • Used
  • good
  • Paperback
Condition
Used - Good
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780679734086 / 0679734082
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Seattle, Washington, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 4 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$6.22
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group, 1993. Paperback. Good. Pages can have notes/highlighting. Spine may show signs of wear. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less.Dust jacket quality is not guaranteed.
Item Price
$6.22
FREE shipping to USA
Word Play : What Happens When People Talk

Word Play : What Happens When People Talk

by Peter Farb

  • Used
  • Acceptable
  • Paperback
Condition
Used - Acceptable
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780679734086 / 0679734082
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Seattle, Washington, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 4 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$6.22
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group, 1993. Paperback. Acceptable. Disclaimer:A readable copy. All pages are intact, and the cover is intact. Pages can include considerable notes-in pen or highlighter-but the notes cannot obscure the text. At ThriftBooks, our motto is: Read More, Spend Less.Dust jacket quality is not guaranteed.
Item Price
$6.22
FREE shipping to USA
Word Play : What Happens When People Talk
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Word Play : What Happens When People Talk

by Farb, Peter

  • Used
Condition
Used - Very Good
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780679734086 / 0679734082
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Mishawaka, Indiana, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$6.66
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group. Used - Very Good. Used book that is in excellent condition. May show signs of wear or have minor defects.
Item Price
$6.66
FREE shipping to USA
Word Play: What Happens When People Talk
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Word Play: What Happens When People Talk

by Peter Farb

  • Used
  • Paperback
Condition
Used: Good
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780679734086 / 0679734082
Quantity Available
1
Seller
HOUSTON, Texas, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 4 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$7.93
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Vintage, 1993-03-31. Paperback. Used: Good.
Item Price
$7.93
FREE shipping to USA
Word Play: What Happens When People Talk
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Word Play: What Happens When People Talk

by Farb, Peter

  • New
  • Paperback
Condition
New
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780679734086 / 0679734082
Quantity Available
777
Seller
Fairfax Station, Virginia, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 2 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$12.41
$3.99 shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Vintage, 1993-03-31. Paperback. New.
Item Price
$12.41
$3.99 shipping to USA