Trask's Historical Linguistics provides an accessible introduction to
historical linguistics - the study of language change over time. This
engaging book is illustrated with language examples from all six
continents, and covers the fundamental concepts of language change,
methods for historical linguistics, linguistic reconstruction,
sociolinguistic aspects of language change, language contact, the birth
and death of languages, language and prehistory, and the issue of very
remote relations.
The fourth edition of this renowned textbook is fully revised and
updated and covers the most recent developments in historical
linguistics, including:
- A thorough reworking of sections on morphological and syntactic
change, incorporating progress in areas such as grammaticalization and
the discussion of the Indo-European 'homeland'
- Discussion and analysis of 'folk' historical linguistics and its
connection with some of the more eccentric views of professional
linguists
- An expanded discussion of language contact, historical
sociolinguistics, and language planning, including a discussion of
contemporary competing views on the genesis and nature of creoles, and
their importance in our understanding of radical linguistic change
- Updated support material including suggestions for essay questions and
a larger number of supporting examples of the phenomena described in
the book
Trask's Historical Linguistics is essential reading for advanced
undergraduate and postgraduate students of historical linguistics as
well as any student looking for a grounded introduction to the English
language.
