Structuralist Studies in Arabic Linguistics: Charles A. Ferguson's Papers, 1954-1994 (Studies in Semitic Languages and Linguistics)

Containing Charles Ferguson's papers on Arabic linguistics, this volume addresses issues of continuing concern in phonology, syntax, historical linguistics, and sociolinguistics.
The introduction provides a biographical sketch, including excerpts from interviews with Ferguson in which he discusses his career and dealings with Arabic. A critical overview precedes each of the four sections (Diachronica, Phonology, Register and Genre, and General).
This work fills an important gap in the history of linguistics in documenting much of the career and contributions of a formative figure in American linguistics. In addition to updating Ferguson's articles, the volume preserves Ferguson's reflections on the events, personalities, relationships, and issues at the time he wrote the articles, as well as on subsequent developments. A unique and fascinating picture of a pioneer linguist.

R. Kirk Belnap, Ph.D. (1991), University of Pennsylvania, is Assistant Professor of Arabic at Brigham Young University and Executive Director of the American Association of Teachers of Arabic. He has published on Arabic agreement variation and the history of Arabic.
Niloofar Haeri, Ph.D. (1991), University of Pennsylvania, is an Assistant Professor of Anthropology at Johns Hopkins University. Her many publications on Arabic sociolinguistics include The Sociolinguistic Market of Cairo: Gender, Class, and Education (Kegan Paul, 1996).