Language Change

Progress or Decay?

By: Jean Aitchison

Write A Review

Paperback | 20 December 2012 | Edition Number 4

At a Glance

Paperback
308 Pages

Edition Type
Revised

Dimensions(cm)
20.0 x 13.3 x 1.5

Paperback

RRP $57.95

$51.25

12%OFF

or 4 interest-free payments of $12.81 with

Aims to ship in 7 to 10 business days

How and why do languages change? Where does the evidence of language change come from? How do languages begin and end? This introduction to language change explores these and other questions, considering changes through time. The central theme of this textbook is whether language change is a symptom of progress or decay. This book will show you how it is neither and that understanding the factors surrounding how language change occurs is essential to understanding why it happens. This updated edition remains non-technical and accessible to readers with no previous knowledge of linguistics.

Industry Reviews

'Jean Aitchison's Language Change: Progress or Decay? has been essential introductory reading for students of historical linguistics for many years: it manages the rare trick of combining theoretical sophistication and clear, simple (but not simplistic) expression. This new edition, which takes account of current issues in language-change studies while not discarding classic discussions, remains a fine and very approachable survey. I shall certainly recommend it to my undergraduates.' Jeremy J. Smith, University of Glasgow
'A brilliant essay in linguistics ... Even in the most complex spaghetti junctions of her argument, her own directions are always clear, and her own language lively, fresh and stimulating.' The Guardian
'... captivating and highly readable ... linguistic phenomena are lucidly explained, often through the use of analogy, graphics and clear examples taken from a range of different languages. A new and welcome addition to this fourth edition are the questions placed at the end of the book - three for each chapter - which help readers to test their understanding of the main points.' Ilse Wischer, translated from Zeitschrift fuer Dialektologie und Linguistik

Shipping

	Standard Shipping	Express Shipping
Metro postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Regional postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Rural postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95

How to return your order

At Booktopia, we offer hassle-free returns in accordance with our returns policy. If you wish to return an item, please get in touch with Booktopia Customer Care.

Additional postage charges may be applicable.

Defective items

If there is a problem with any of the items received for your order then the Booktopia Customer Care team is ready to assist you.

For more info please visit our Help Centre.

You Can Find This Book In

Non-Fiction Language & Linguistics Linguistics Historical & Comparative Linguistics Reference, Dictionaries & Guides Language History & General Works

Preliminaries
The ever-whirling wheel
Collecting up clues
Charting the changes
Transition
Spreading the word
Conflicting loyalties
Catching on and taking off
Caught in the web
The wheels of language
Spinning away
Causation
The reason why
Doing what comes naturally
Repairing the patterns
Pushing and pulling
Beginnings and Endings
Language birth
Language death
Progress or decay?
Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.

Language Change

Progress or Decay?

At a Glance

Paperback

Industry Reviews

Shipping

How to return your order

Defective items

You Can Find This Book In

More in Linguistics

Fluent Forever (Revised Edition)

How to Learn Any Language Fast and Never Forget It

The Little Green Grammar Book

1st Edition

Reading Latin - 2nd Edition

Grammar and Exercises

Australian Sign Language (Auslan)

An Introduction to Sign Language Linguistics

Australian English Pronunciation and Transcription

2nd edition

Language, Literacy and Early Childhood Education

4th Edition

An Introduction to Language

10th Edition

Contacts: Langue et culture françaises 9e & SAM for Valette/Valette's Contacts: Langue et culture françaises 9e

Value Pack Bundle

The Reading Strategies Book 2.0

2nd Edition - Your Research-Based Guide to Developing Skilled Readers

Collins Easy Learning Complete French Grammar, Verbs and Vocabulary (3 Books In 1) [2nd Edition]

Trusted Support for Learning

Robust Comprehension Instruction with Questioning the Author

15 Years Smarter

Easy Spanish Step-By-Step

Master High-frequency Grammar for Spanish Proficiency - Fast!

Easy French Step-by-step

Master High-Frequency Grammar for French Proficiency--Fast!

Italian All-in-One For Dummies

For Dummies (Language & Literature)

For the Love of Language 2ed

An Introduction to Linguistics

How Writing Works 2ed

A field guide to effective writing

The Writing Book

A Practical Guide for Fiction Writers : 1st Edition

Schaum's Outline of Italian Grammar

4th Edition

On Writing Well

Classic Guide To Writing Non Fiction

Concise Guide to APA Style

7th edition

The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows

Aesthetics without Objects and Subjects

Relational Thinking for Global Challenges

Unstructured Content

Teaching and Assessment in Global Aviation English

This product is categorised by