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From the 16th century onwards, Europeans encountered languages in the Americas, Africa, and Asia which were radically different from any of the languages of the Old World. Missionaries were in the forefront of this encounter: in order to speak to potential converts, they needed to learn local languages. A great wealth of missionary grammars survives from the 16th century onwards. Some of these are precious records of the languages they document, and all of them witness their authors'attempts to develop the methods of grammatical description with which they were familiar, to accommodate dramatically new linguistic features. This book is the first monograph covering the whole Portuguese grammatical tradition outside Portugal. Its aim is to provide an integrated description, analysis and evaluation of the missionary grammars which were written in Portuguese. Between them, these grammars covered a huge range of languages: in Asia, Tamil, four Indo-Aryan languages and Japanese; in Brazil, Kipeá and Tupinambá; in Africa and the African diaspora, Kimbundu and Sena (from the modern Angola and Mozambique respectively). Each text is placed in its historical context, and its linguistic context is analyzed, with particular attention to orthography, the parts of speech system, morphology and syntax. Whenever possible, pedagogical features of the grammars are discussed, together with their treatment of language variation and pragmatics, and the evidence they provide for the missionaries'attitude towards the languages they studied.

A Reference Grammar of French is a lively, wide-ranging and original handbook on the structure of the French language. It includes new information on register, pronunciation, gender, number, foreign words (Latin, Arabic, English, Spanish, Italian), adjectives and past participles used as nouns, texting, word order, frequency of occurrence of words, and usage with all geographical names. Examples come not only from France, but also from Quebec, Belgium and Switzerland. Readers will appreciate the initial passages illustrating the grammatical features of a given chapter. Also included is a user-friendly introduction to the French language, from its Latin origins to modern times. A full glossary explains any terms that might confuse the less experienced reader, and the index leads the student through the detailed labyrinth of grammatical features. This handbook will be an invaluable resource for students and teachers who want to perfect their knowledge of all aspects of French grammar.

_x000D_ This product is most effective when used in conjunction with the corresponding audio support._x000D_ - You can purchase the book and audio support as a pack (ISBN: 9781444106893)- The audio support is also sold separately (ISBN: 9781444106992)(copy and paste the ISBN number into the search bar to find these products)_x000D_ _x000D_ _x000D_ _x000D_ _x000D_ Are you looking for a complete course in Lithuanian which takes you effortlessly from beginner to confident speaker? Whether you are starting from scratch, or are just out of practice, Complete Lithuanian will guarantee success!_x000D_ Now fully updated to make your language learning experience fun and interactive. You can still rely on the benefits of a top language teacher and our years of teaching experience, but now with added learning features within the course and online. The course is structured in thematic units and the emphasis is placed on communication, so that you effortlessly progress from introducing yourself and dealing with everyday situations, to using the phone and talking about work. _x000D_ By the end of this course, you will be at Level B2 of the Common European Framework for Languages: Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party._x000D_ _x000D_ Learn effortlessly with a new easy-to-read page design and interactive features: _x000D_ NOT GOT MUCH TIME?One, five and ten-minute introductions to key principles to get you started._x000D_ AUTHOR INSIGHTSLots of instant help with common problems and quick tips for success, based on the author's many years of experience._x000D_ GRAMMAR TIPSEasy-to-follow building blocks to give you a clear understanding._x000D_ USEFUL VOCABULARYEasy to find and learn, to build a solid foundation for speaking._x000D_ DIALOGUESRead and listen to everyday dialogues to help you speak and understand fast._x000D_ PRONUNCIATIONDon't sound like a tourist! Perfect your pronunciation before you go._x000D_ TEST YOURSELFTests in the book and online to keep track of your progress._x000D_ EXTEND YOUR KNOWLEDGEExtra online articles at: www.teachyourself.com to give you a richer understanding of the culture and history of Lithuania._x000D_ TRY THISInnovative exercises illustrate what you've learnt and how to use it._x000D_

The grammar presents a full decription of Pali, the language used in the Theravada Buddhist canon, which is still alive in Ceylon and South-East Asia. The development of its phonological and morphological systems is traced in detail from Old Indic. Comprehensive references to comparable features and phenomena from other Middle Indic languages mean that this grammar can also be used to study the literature of Jainism.