Pinker, S. (1994). The language instinct:

How mind creates language. New York:

HarperPerennial; Pinker, S. (2008). The stuff of thought: Language as a window to human nature. New York: Penguin. These books provide accessible discussions of how language works.

Unlike some books on the subject of language, Pinker’s are written with clarity and a sharp sense of humor. Be warned that Pinker’s ideas are controversial—some scientists do not agree with his theories of language and mind.