Principles of Diachronic Syntax: 23 (Cambridge Studies in Linguistics, Series Number 23)

Lightfoot, David

ISBN 10: 0521293502 / ISBN 13: 9780521293501

Published by Cambridge University Press, 2009

About this Item

This study offers one of the first systematic accounts of syntactic change and will be of interest to a wide range of linguists. Series: Cambridge Studies in Linguistics. Num Pages: 440 pages, figs.2tabs. BIC Classification: CF. Category: (U) Tertiary Education (US: College). Dimension: 229 x 152 x 25. Weight in Grams: 640. . 2009. Illustrated. paperback. . . . .

Seller Inventory # V9780521293501

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Principles of Diachronic Syntax: 23 (Cambridge Studies in Linguistics, Series Number 23)
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication Date: 2009
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521293502
• ISBN 13: 9780521293501
• Binding: Soft cover
• Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

The study of syntactic change has been much neglected in the past. Historical linguists have tended to concentrate on phonology, lexis and morphology whilst most theoretical studies of syntax have been deliberately synchronic in intention. In particular, theories of generative grammar have not been responsive to diachronic data and a fortiori have not yielded a convincing account of language change or of the interrelationships between different kinds of change. This study will be of interest to a wide range of linguists. It offers one of the first systematic accounts of a difficult and important topic, with implications for the whole field of linguistics and language study.

Book Description

The study of syntactic change has been much neglected in the past. Historical linguists have tended to concentrate on phonology, lexis and morphology whilst most theoretical studies of syntax have been deliberately synchronic in intention.