About the book
How and why do languages change? This new introduction offers a guide to the types of change at all levels of linguistic structure, as well as the mechanisms behind each type. Based on data from a variety of methods and a huge array of language families, it examines general patterns of change, bringing together recent findings on sound change, analogical change, grammaticalization, the creation and change of constructions, as well as lexical change. Emphasizing crosslinguistic patterns and going well beyond traditional methods in historical linguistics, this book sees change as grounded in cognitive processes and usage factors that are rarely mentioned in other textbooks. Complete with questions for discussion, suggested readings and a useful glossary of terms, this book helps students to gain a general understanding of language as an ever-changing system.
Editions of Language Change
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9781107020160
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781107655829
Read an Excerpt
How and why do languages change? This new introduction offers a guide to the types of change at all levels of linguistic structure, as well as the mechanisms behind each type. Based on data from a variety of methods and a huge array of language families, it examines general patterns of change, bringing together recent findings on sound change, analogical change, grammaticalization, the creation and change of constructions, as well as lexical change. Emphasizing crosslinguistic patterns and going well beyond traditional methods in historical linguistics, this book sees change as grounded in cognitive processes and usage factors that are rarely mentioned in other textbooks. Complete with questions for discussion, suggested readings and a useful glossary of terms, this book helps students to gain a general understanding of language as an ever-changing system.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Language Change about?
How and why do languages change? This new introduction offers a guide to the types of change at all levels of linguistic structure, as well as the mechanisms behind each type. Based on data from a variety of methods and a huge array of language families, it examines general patterns of change, bringing together recent findings on sound change, analogical change, grammaticalization, the creation and change of constructions, as well as lexical change. Emphasizing crosslinguistic patterns and going well beyond traditional methods in historical linguistics, this book sees change as grounded in cognitive processes and usage factors that are rarely mentioned in other textbooks. Complete with questions for discussion, suggested readings and a useful glossary of terms, this book helps students to gain a general understanding of language as an ever-changing system.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Language Change?
Language and Linguistics > Linguistics > Grammar, syntax and morphology
Where can I read a sample of Language Change?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781107020160
Is Language Change part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series Cambridge Textbooks in Linguistics
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Language Change?
Joan Bybee, University of New Mexico
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Language Change is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781107020160) and paperback(ISBN 9781107655829)