Historical Linguistics

Don Ringe, Joseph F. Eska

ISBN 10: 0521587115 / ISBN 13: 9780521587112

Published by Cambridge University Press, GB, 2013

About this Item

Bringing the advances of theoretical linguistics to the study of language change in a systematic way, this innovative textbook demonstrates the mutual relevance of historical linguistics and contemporary linguistics. Numerous case studies throughout the book show both that theoretical linguistics can be used to solve problems where traditional approaches to historical linguistics have failed to produce satisfying results, and that the results of historical research can have an impact on theory. The book first explains the nature of human language and the sources of language change in broad terms. It then focuses on different types of language change from contemporary viewpoints, before exploring comparative reconstruction - the most spectacular success of traditional historical linguistics - and the problems inherent in trying to devise new methods for linguistic comparison. Positioned at the cutting edge of the field, the book argues that this approach can and should lead to the re-integration of historical linguistics as one of the core areas in the study of language.

Seller Inventory # LU-9780521587112

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Historical Linguistics
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press, GB
• Publication Date: 2013
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521587115
• ISBN 13: 9780521587112
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: New
• Weight: 640 grams

About this title

Synopsis

Bringing the advances of theoretical linguistics to the study of language change in a systematic way, this innovative textbook demonstrates the mutual relevance of historical linguistics and contemporary linguistics. Numerous case studies throughout the book show both that theoretical linguistics can be used to solve problems where traditional approaches to historical linguistics have failed to produce satisfying results, and that the results of historical research can have an impact on theory. The book first explains the nature of human language and the sources of language change in broad terms. It then focuses on different types of language change from contemporary viewpoints, before exploring comparative reconstruction - the most spectacular success of traditional historical linguistics -and the problems inherent in trying to devise new methods for linguistic comparison. Positioned at the cutting edge of the field, the book argues that this approach can and should lead to the re-integration of historical linguistics as one of the core areas in the study of language.

About the Authors

Don Ringe is Kahn Term Professor in Linguistics in the Department of Linguistics at the University of Pennsylvania.

Joseph F. Eska is Professor of Linguistics in the Department of English at Virginia College of Technology.