What are words? Where do words come from? How are they used?

Answering these questions and more, this book guides you through the key concepts in the lexicology of modern English. Providing an overview which encompasses all aspects of English vocabulary, this book explains the sources of modern English words and shows how the vocabulary has developed over time. Thoroughly updated throughout to keep pace with recent developments in the field, this third edition features:

- Enhanced chapters on vocabulary, dictionaries and investigative lexicology
- New sections on contemporary topics such as internet language, social media and youth culture
- Guides to new electronic resources and tools of analysis
- Exercises throughout each chapter, with an updated answer key
- A revised list of suggestions for further reading

Assuming no prior knowledge of linguistics, and featuring exercises and a fully updated glossary of lexicological terms to support your learning, An Introduction to English Lexicology is the only book you need to understand the basics of English lexicology.

This is a well-thought-out textbook that has been a staple introduction to many core linguistic notions and to the analysis of aspects of the meaning, structure and evolution of English words. The main updates have involved the inclusion of fresh material presenting innovations in the vocabulary that have been triggered by the digital revolution and changes in society in recent years. The book is very accessible and contains an abundance of in-text exercises that keep the reader actively engaged. It is a suitable text for beginning university students of either English language or linguistics. * Francis Katamba, Professor of Linguistics, Lancaster University, UK *
The third edition of Jackson and Amvela’s English Lexicology is an extremely practical introduction to the lexicology of English. It covers all the basic aspects of the field in an engaging and accessible manner and supports understanding with numerous examples, exercises (plus a key), and a convenient glossary of the terms. * Stephan Gramley, Director of Studies (English Linguistics), University of Bielefeld, Germany *

Howard Jackson is Professor Emeritus of English Language and Linguistics at Birmingham City University, UK.

Etienne Zé Amvela is Professor Emeritus of English Language and Linguistics at the University of Yaounde I, Cameroon.