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The comparative method reviewed : regularity and irregularity in language change

Author: Mark Durie; Malcolm Ross
Publisher: New York : Oxford University Press, 1996.
Edition/Format:   Book : EnglishView all editions and formats
Summary:
Historical reconstruction of languages relies on the comparative method, which itself depends on the notion of the regularity of change. The regularity of sound change is the famous Neogrammarian Hypothesis: "sound change takes place according to laws that admit no exception." The comparative method, however, is not restricted to the consideration of sound change, and neither is the assumption of regularity.  Read more...
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Details

Document Type: Book
All Authors / Contributors: Mark Durie; Malcolm Ross
ISBN: 0195066073 9780195066074
OCLC Number: 31517888
Description: vi, 321 p. : ill. ; 25 cm.
Responsibility: edited by Mark Durie, Malcolm Ross.
More information:

Abstract:

Historical reconstruction of languages relies on the comparative method, which itself depends on the notion of the regularity of change. The regularity of sound change is the famous Neogrammarian Hypothesis: "sound change takes place according to laws that admit no exception." The comparative method, however, is not restricted to the consideration of sound change, and neither is the assumption of regularity. Syntactic, morphological, and semantic change are all amenable in varying degrees to comparative reconstruction, and each type of change is constrained in ways that enable the researcher to distinguish between regular and more irregular changes. This volume draws together studies by scholars engaged in historical reconstruction, all focussing on the subject of regularity and irregularity in the comparative method. A wide range of languages is represented, with detailed discussion of data from Australia, Papua New Guinea, Austronesia, North and Central America, East Asia, and Europe.

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