Principles of Historical Linguistics

By Hans Henrich Hock

Book Overview

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.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 3110129620
• ISBN13: 9783110129625
• Release Date: May 1991
• Publisher: de Gruyter Mouton
• Length: 755 Pages
• Weight: 2.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.5" x 6.0" x 8.9"
• Age Range: 18 to 21 years
• Grade Range: Postsecondary

Customer Reviews

Excellent

This book is a technical treatment of the field of of historical linguistics, the study of language change over time. It is probably the best technical book on the subject, better than Trask's book which is somewhat less technical and has more "fluff". This book is a useful resource for anyone wishing to study how languages change and modify over time.