How can linguisties help you enjoy literature? What do writers do with language? This student-friendly textbook uses the principles of linguistic analysis to investigate the use of language in literary (and non-literary)texts. Patterns in Language communicates how linguistic knowledge can enhance and enrich the analysis of texts. The authors borrow from traditional stylistics but focus primarily on the recuring linguistic patterns used by writers. Using a wide variety of imaginative and stimulating textual examples, the authors encompass both classic and contemporary lierature, drama and poetry (including James Joyce and Alice Walker. Shakespeare: Dennis Potter and Tom Stoppard; Emily Dickinson and Sylvia Plath)as well as popular fiction and adverts. User-friendly features include: Clear explanations of the phonetic, syntactie, semantic and discoursal properties of language. Numerous tasks, a checklist for analysis and suggestions for further reading in each chapter. An answer key and a glossary of terms. Patterns in language assumes little or no prior knowledge of linguistic theory or literature.It is therefore ideal for students of English language, linguistics, and English literature, as well as for non-native speakers of English studying English as a foreign language.