Language change: Progress or decay? (Universe introductions to linguistics)

Aitchison, Jean

ISBN 10: 0876634560 / ISBN 13: 9780876634561

Verlag: Universe Books, 1985

Beschreibung

Ex-library hardbound. Pages unmarked. .5" tear through cloth to boards at cover edge, else gentle wear.

Bestandsnummer des Verkäufers 38456

Bibliografische Details

• Titel: Language change: Progress or decay? (Universe introductions to linguistics)
• Verlag: Universe Books
• Erscheinungsjahr: 1985
• Sprache: Englisch
• ISBN-10: 0876634560
• ISBN-13: 9780876634561
• Einband: Hardcover
• Zustand: Fair
• Gewicht: 6 Unzen

Über diesen Titel

Présentation de l'éditeur

This is a lucid and up-to-date overview of language change. It discusses where our evidence about language change comes from, how and why changes happen, and how languages begin and end. It considers both changes which occurred long ago, and those currently in progress. It does this within the framework of one central question - is language change a symptom of progress or decay? It concludes that language is neither progressing nor decaying, but that an understanding of the factors surrounding change is essential for anyone concerned about language alteration. For this substantially revised third edition, Jean Aitchison has included two new chapters on change of meaning and grammaticalization. Sections on new methods of reconstruction and ongoing chain shifts in Britain and America have also been added as well as over 150 new references. The work remains non-technical in style and accessible to readers with no previous knowledge of linguistics.