Overview

This general introduction to the study of the Chinese language traces its history from its beginings in the second millennium BC to the present day and provides a clear picture of the contemporary language and its sociolinguistic status. Chinese in its numerous dialect forms, has more speakers than any language in the modern world, and this vast extension in time and space brings to its study an exceptional complexity. Nevertheless, Professor Norman handles this extraordinary range of material with a deftness of organization and lucid elegance of style that make his book of real interest to any reader with only an elementary knowledge of linguistics. It includes information on the genetic and typological connections of Chinese, traditional Chinese phonology, the writing system, the classical and early vernacular languages, the modern language and the non-standard dialects, and the history of linguistic reform in China, concluding with a discussion of present and future prospects.

ISBN-13

9780521228091

ISBN-10

0521228093

Weight

1.28 Pounds

Dimensions

6.50 x 0.75 x 9.50 In

List Price

$94.99

Edition

1st Edition

Format

Hardcover

Language

English

Pages

304 pages

Publisher

Cambridge University Press

Published On

1988-01-21



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Bonita
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$238.81

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