Understanding Language Change

McMahon, April M. S.

ISBN 10: 0521446651 / ISBN 13: 9780521446655

Published by Cambridge University Press, 1994

About this Item

Minor wear to cover, owner inscription; 8.90 X 5.80 X 1 inches; 376 pages.

Seller Inventory # 98068

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Understanding Language Change
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication Date: 1994
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521446651
• ISBN 13: 9780521446655
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition: First Paperback Edition.
• Condition: Very Good
• Dust Jacket Condition: No Dust Jacket

About this title

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.

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.