This is a new kind of textbook for courses in introductory linguistics. It makes clear what is important or essential, and omits what is not. It is strictly selective, highly structured, focused, to-the-point and informative. It presents material in a way that mirrors the structure of a typical semester of teaching, and integrates many exercises into the text. In doing this it meets the need of the busy student who wants the text book to get straight to the point; and it suits the instructor looking for a textbook which not only identifies key material, but integrates it with numerous exercises, engaging the student in active learning. The book organises, develops, integrates, and practices topics more thoroughly than other textbooks. Chapters are short, each corresponding, generally, to two typical class periods. They are organised in a very clear way, with numbered and labelled sections. They present information in lists and provide generous illustrative material. Each chapter concludes with an outline, a list of new concepts and terms, and with a set of short, often objective, exercises. Thus the book will serve both as a study guide and as a textbook for beginning students. Essential Introductory Linguistics is supported by an instructor's manual.

The author is Professor of Linguistics at Michigan State University. He specializes in phonology, Ethiopian and Afroasiatic languages and linguistics, and adult language learning. He is the author of a comparative dictionary of Ethiopian languages and numerous articles appearing as book chapters or in journals such as Language, the Journal of Linguistics, the Journal of African Languages and Linguistics, Studies in African Linguistics, and Linguistics.