Understanding Language Change - Softcover

McMahon, April M. S.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0521446651 ISBN 13: 9780521446655

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 1994

Synopsis

How and why do language changes begin; how and why do they spread; and how can they ultimately be explained? This new textbook sets out to answer these questions in a clear and helpful way that will be accessible to all students with only an elementary knowledge of linguistics. In the first half of the book Dr. McMahon analyzes changes from every area of grammar. In the second she looks at such topics as language contact, linguistic variation, pidgins and Creoles, and language death. Throughout, the discussion is illustrated by a wealth of examples from English and other languages.

About this title

Book Description:

How and why do language changes begin and spread? This text answers these questions for students with only an elementary knowledge of linguistics by analyzing changes from every area of grammar and looking at language contact, linguistic variation, pidgins and Creoles and language death.

From the Back Cover:

How and why do language changes begin; how and why do they spread; and how can they ultimately be explained? This new textbook sets out to answer these questions in a clear and helpful way which will be accessible to all students with only an elementary knowledge of linguistics.

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 1994
• ISBN 10: 0521446651
• ISBN 13: 9780521446655
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 376