Historical Linguistics An Introduction

"Historical Linguistics" provides a clear and comprehensive introduction to historical linguistic theory and methods. Since first published in 1962 the book has established itself as core reading for students of linguistics.
Recent decades have seen remarkable advances in the field of linguistic theory: clarification of the history and development of writing; typological advances have allowed a better understanding of the structure of early languages; and archeologists and scientists dealing with prehistoric periods have supplemented knowledge of the speakers of early languages, broadening the view of their culture and society. This third edition has been thoroughly revised by Lehmann to include these and other recent developments in linguistic and archeological research. "Historical Linguistics" presents basic research methods with illustrations of the application, taken largely from the Indo-European language family. Supplementary exercises utilize data from other language families.

Historical Linguistics provides a comprehensive and clearly written introduction to historical linguistic theory and methods. Since its first publication in 1962 the book has established itself as core reading for students of linguistics. This edition has been thoroughly revised. Drawing on recent linguistic and archaeological research Professor Lehmann incorporates key developments in the field. These include exciting advances in the history and development of writing: and in typological classification which allows better understanding of the structure of early languages. Well-illustrated with Indo-European examples, and supplementary exercises which draw on data from other language families as well, the book will enable students to carry out independent work in historical studies on any language family, as well as up-to-date work in Indo-European.

Preface 1. Introduction 2. The Background of Historical Linguistic Study 3. The Use of Written Records 4. Genealogical Classification 5. Typological Classification 6. Linguistic Communities 7. The Comparative Method 8. The Method of Internal Reconstruction 9. Glottochronology 10. Sound Change -- change in phonological systems 11. Morphological Change 12. Syntactic Change 13. Semantic Change and Changes in the Lexicon 14. Interrelationships among Changes 15. Linguistic and Cultural Change 16. Conclusion Bibliography Index