SKU: 97991821041

Don't Believe a Word: The Surprising Truth about Language

Sale price$21.38 Regular price$23.76
Save 10%

Pay in installments of $5.94 with ShopPay, AfterPay and Klarna

Shipping Estimate
USA
  • USA
  • CAN

Ships within 48 hours · Estimated delivery Jul 20 - Jul 25

Promo Codes Available:

For Your Every Summer RSVP, with Code: SUMMER15

Description

Don't Believe a Word: The Surprising Truth about LanguageThink you know language? Think again. There are languages that change when your mother in law is present. The language you speak could make you more prone to accidents. Swear words are produced in a special part of your brain. Over the past few decades, we have reached new frontiers of linguistic knowledge. Linguists can now explain how and why language changes, describe its structures, and map its activity in the brain. But despite these advances,

Think you know language? Think again.

  • There are languages that change when your mother-in-law is present.
  • The language you speak could make you more prone to accidents.
  • Swear words are produced in a special part of your brain.

Over the past few decades, we have reached new frontiers of linguistic knowledge. Linguists can now explain how and why language changes, describe its structures, and map its activity in the brain. But despite these advances, much of what people believe about language is based on folklore, instinct, or hearsay. We imagine a word's origin is it's "true" meaning, that foreign languages are full of "untranslatable" words, or that grammatical mistakes undermine English.

In Don't Believe A Word, linguist David Shariatmadari takes us on a mind-boggling journey through the science of language, urging us to abandon our prejudices in a bid to uncover the (far more interesting) truth about what we do with words.

Exploding nine widely held myths about language while introducing us to some of the fundamental insights of modern linguistics, Shariatmadari is an energetic guide to the beauty and quirkiness of humanity's greatest achievement.



Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
Published: 01/07/2020
ISBN: 9781324004257
Pages: 336
Weight: 1.10lbs
Size: 9.30h x 6.30w x 1.10d

Review Citations: Publishers Weekly 10/14/2019
Kirkus Reviews 10/15/2019
Booklist 12/15/2019 pg. 85
Shelf Awareness 01/31/2020
Shipping Notes
  • Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
  • Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
  • Delivery to the USA:
  1. Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
  • If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
Exchange/Return Notes
  • We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
  • Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
  • To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
  • Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
SKU: 97991821041

Discover Niche Categories That Outsell

Top-Converting Item to Boost Your Average Order

4.5 ★★★★★
Based on 17 reviews
Sort
Highest Rating
Newest First
Oldest First
Product Reviews
A
Verified Purchase
Andrea Jagarnauth
West Palm Beach, US
★★★★★ 5
This is definitely a buy
Size: 6 Panel-119"W, Color: Black
Excellent product.Good Quality.Very sturdy .Easy to assemble.Provide privacy and keeps the light out just what I needed.I am happy to recommend this divider .Do not hesitate to buy
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on August 7, 2024
S
Verified Purchase
Shae G
Whiting, US
★★★★★ 5
Clean Look, Sturdy — can’t ask for more!
Size: 6 Panel-119"W, Color: Grey, Size: 6 Panel-119"W, Color: Grey
Really like how it folds so I can create kind of a doorway with two of these. Pretty easy to assemble and has an uncluttered clean look due to the smooth fabric and nice color. Oh and it’s sturdy enough for pets.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on September 9, 2024
C
Verified Purchase
creativecow
San Leandro, US
★★★★★ 5
Game-Changer for My Space!
Color: White, Size: 4 Panel Basic
I recently purchased the Kecreque 4-Panel Room Divider, and it has completely transformed my living area. At 88" wide, it provides ample coverage, creating a private nook in my open-concept home. The white polyester fabric is not only sleek and modern but also wrinkle-resistant and easy to clean—just a quick wipe with a damp cloth, and it looks brand new. Assembly was a breeze; I had it set up in about 20 minutes. The metal frame feels sturdy and durable, and the three extra-wide metal feet offer excellent stability, ensuring it doesn't tip over easily. I love how the panels are connected with flexible buckles, allowing me to adjust the configuration to suit my needs—be it a straight line or an angled setup. This divider has been perfect for creating a dressing area in my bedroom, and I've also used it to section off a workspace in my living room. Its versatility is unmatched, and it folds down compactly when not in use, making storage hassle-free. If you're looking for a stylish, functional, and easy-to-use room divider, I highly recommend this one. It's been a fantastic addition to my home!
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on June 7, 2025
M
Verified Purchase
Megan
Houston, US
★★★★★ 5
Sturdy and Functional
Color: White, Size: 4 Panel Basic
I got this to replace a poor quality divider that I tried first, and this thing is the best! It is easily folded, stands sturdily, easy to assemble, and the fabric looks great. Very very happy with the quality for the price.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on March 17, 2026
L
Verified Purchase
L. E. Morales
New York, US
★★★★★ 1
Arrived damaged
Color: Black, Size: 4 Panel Basic
Unfortunately, very cheaply made. It arrived with one of the connecting tubes cracked horizontally. Possibly due to bad welding. It is quite a headache to assemble. It was delivered on time but returned for a refund.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on April 8, 2026

recommand products