This volume introduces the basic concepts of linguistics using French as an example. The initial chapters focus on the structures of language: from sounds to words, sentences and their meanings, and finally to texts. Further chapters explore the history, regional and social varieties of French, as well as minority languages and French outside of France. The introduction concludes with an overview of topics in applied linguistics (language processing and corpus linguistics). For the fourth edition, the volume has been thoroughly revised and updated. In particular, the chapters on language processing, corpus linguistics, and language change have been expanded. It features a two-color layout, with definitions, illustrations, graphics, and a bilingual index. Selling points: a comprehensive introduction to all areas of French.