'An outstanding and long-awaited introduction to Italian linguistics.' -- Hermann W. Haller, Department of European Languages and Literatures, Queens College, City Univesity of New York 'This is a textbook that I would both use and recommend to my colleagues and to my students ... It is a first-rate introduction to Italian linguistics which the profession needs ... This book fills a basic gap in textbooks for the Italian undergraduate and graduate curricula.' -- Frank Nuessel, Department of Classical and Modern Languages, University of Louisville

Here, at last, is a text on Italian linguistics that clearly presents all of the key concepts in a form designed specifically for English-speaking students. This unique book will fill a major gap in the curriculum of undergraduate and graduate programs in Italian linguistics. The authors explain complex linguistics ideas in a logical, succinct, and accessible style. Subjects and concepts such as phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, discourse, and variation are treated in detail, using carefully selected examples. The follow-up activities at the end of each chapter provide opportunities for review and practical application, with questions that invite reflection and additional research. "The Sounds, Forms, and Uses of Italian" will serve as a basic reference for anyone with an interest in the Italian language. Teachers of Italian at all levels will find it a valuable resource, and students will appreciate the clarity and ease with which it guides them through a difficult subject.