9780521365833

Typology and Universals

Format: Hardcover

ISBN13: 9780521365833

Hardcover|9780521365833


Overview

Comparison of the grammars of human languages reveals systematic patterns of variation. Research in typology and universals attempts to uncover those patterns, to formulate the universal constraints on language that define those patterns, and to seek explanations for the universals. In this volume, the first of its kind, William Croft provides the reader with a comprehensive introduction to the method and theory used in typology-universals research, together with an overview of basic grammatical differences between languages. He discusses theoretical issues ranging from the most fundamental - on what basis can the grammars of diverse languages be compared? - to the most abstract - what is the role of functional and historical explanation of language universals? - and gives extensive illustration from the world's languages. Numerous case studies provide extended examples of the methodologies applied to specific problems. As well as explicating basic concepts established in the last thirty years, current areas of typological research are thoroughly covered (including diachronic typology and the functional-typological approach). This textbook will appeal to scholars and students alike in linguistics and anthropology.

ISBN-13

9780521365833

ISBN-10

052136583X

Weight

1.34 Pounds

Dimensions

6.25 x 1.00 x 9.50 In

List Price

$55.00

Format

Hardcover

Language

English

Pages

325 pages

Publisher

Cambridge University Press

Published On

1990-09-20



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