Principles of Historical Linguistics
Description
Historical linguistic theory and practice contains a great number of different 'layers' which have been accepted in the course of time and have acquired a permanency of their own. These range from neogrammarian conceptualizations of sound change and analogy to present-day ideas on rule change and language mixture. To get a full grasp of the principles of historical linguistics it is therefore necessary to understand the nature and justifications (or shortcomings) of each of these 'layers', not just to look for a single 'overarching' theory. The major purpose of the book is to provide in up-to-date form such an understanding of the principles of historical linguistics and the related fields of comparative linguistics and linguistic reconstruction. In addition, the book provides a very broad exemplification of the principles of historical linguistics.
More details
Other editions
New editions
Additional editions
Content
- Intro
- Preface
- Contents
- Maps and charts
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Phonetics, transcription, terminology, abbreviations
- 3. Sound change: The regularity hypothesis
- 4. Sound change and phonological contrast
- 5. Sound change: Assimilation, weakening, loss
- 6. Sound change: Dissimilation, haplology, metathesis
- 7. Sound change: Epenthesis, elimination of hiatus, other changes
- 8. Sound change: Structure and function
- 9. Analogy: General discussion and typology
- 10. Analogy: Tendencies of analogical change
- 11. Analogy and generative grammar
- 12. Semantic change
- 13. Syntactic change
- 14. Linguistic contact: Lexical borrowing
- 15. Linguistic contact: Dialectology
- 16. Linguistic contact: Koinés, convergence, pidgins, creoles, language death
- 17. Internal reconstruction
- 18. Comparative method: Establishing linguistic relationship
- 19. Comparative reconstruction
- 20. Linguistic change: Its nature and causes
- Notes
- References
- Index
