Sociolingüística y pragmática del español by Carmen Silva-Corvalán y Andrés Enrique-Arias (review)

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on specific aspects of language at various international universities (Sociocomplexitat, Barcelona; Ghent Research Group on Linguistic Meaning and Structure, Belgium; Estudios de español actual, Granada; Heidelberg University Language and Cognition Lab [HULC], Germany; Formal Linguistics Research Group, Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona; and GRIAL [Grup de Recerca Interuniversitari en Aplicacions Lingüístiques], Barcelona). Section 6 has a comprehensive list of key terms in Spanish with English glosses in parentheses. The Spanish terms are underlined, which is a signal to the reader to click on them in order to view the definitions in a pop-up window. Finally, section 7 highlights a list of bibliographic references categorized thematically and in chronological order that corresponds to their appearance in the textbook. A few selected items are accessible to the reader by clicking on them. Portal de lingüística hispánica/Hispanic Linguistics represents a significant amount of work on the part of Muñoz-Basols, and it demonstrates his in-depth knowledge of the vast literature and pertinent Internet sites related to all facets of Hispanic linguistics. It should be noted that Dr. Elisa Gironzetti (University of Maryland), Associate Researcher, played a role in the development and construction on this project. Its format will appeal to today’s twenty-first century students and to all users. The content reflects what an introductory linguistic course should contain (i.e., clear and concise discussions of linguistic concepts, meaningful and viable pedagogical activities, practical research projects, information about worldwide research projects, key terms and notions with interactive definitions, and carefully selected bibliographic references). Dr. Muñoz-Basols’s website is outstanding because of the overall consistent quality of its format and its content. The materials contained in each of the seven sections of the eight chapters are original, creative, and engaging. Students and others will gain valuable knowledge about Hispanic linguistics by reading and carrying out meaningful research projects. Moreover, they will become familiar with the basic elements of the Spanish language and how it is used in a wide variety of contexts. While reviewing this web site, I must note that I learned about several very helpful web resources with which I was unfamiliar. This web site is a valuable resource for all users. Again, it is important to emphasize that it offers ease of accessibility. I can recommend this resource without reservation. Frank Nuessel University of Louisville