Accessibly written, Writing Systems: A Linguistic Approachprovides detailed coverage of all major writing systems ofhistorical or structural significance with thorough discussion ofstructure, history, and social context as well as importanttheoretical issues. Discusses systems as diverse as Chinese, Greek,and Maya. Presents each system in light of four major aspects of writing:history and development, internal structure, the relationship ofwriting and language, and sociolinguistic aspects. Includes glossary of technical terms, extensive illustrations,exercises and further reading suggestions to aid in teaching fromthe book.