Historical and comparative linguistics

Half the world s population speaks a language that has evolved from a single, prehistoric mother tongue.

For centuries English has assimilated words from other languages.

Have you ever wondered why we talk about a handicap in sport, why boxing is so named, or whether a dumbbell ever rang?

Throughout history the English language has reflected social changes, trade routes, and waves of fashion.

For centuries English has assimilated words from other languages.

Have you ever wondered why we talk about a handicap in sport, why boxing is so named, or whether a dumbbell ever rang?

Throughout history the English language has reflected social changes, trade routes, and waves of fashion.

This bold and accessible study of human languages and communication explores issues which are at the forefront of today's globalized society.

This bold and accessible study of human languages and communication explores issues which are at the forefront of today's globalized society.

Did mankind evolve unusually large brains simply in order to gossip?

This monograph on biblical linguistics is a highly specialized, pragmatic investigation of the controversial question of "e;foregrounding"e;-the deviation from some norm or convention-in Old Testament narratives.

This collection focuses on the Hebrew Bible, its ancient versions and textual history.

It is customarily assumed that the Hebrew word BMH denotes a "e;high place,"e; first a topographical elevation and derivatively a cult place elevated either by location or construction.

Leading Hebrew language scholars outline various views on the phenomenon of variation in biblical Hebrew and its significance for biblical studies.

This study breaks new ground in describing how various linguistic and pragmatic mechanisms affect both the form of the narrative clause and the arrangement of the grammatical elements.

Find the right words to make a point, seal the deal, or just keep folks listening!

A comprehensive grammar of classical Nahuatl, offering a complete and clear treatment of the language''s structure, grammar and vocabulary.

A comprehensive grammar of classical Nahuatl, offering a complete and clear treatment of the language''s structure, grammar and vocabulary.

The first book to use techniques of linguistic analysis to examine the construction of diverse white identities.

An edited collection which provides novel insights into the English language in the eighteenth century.

Describes the development of the Japanese language from its recorded beginnings until the present day.

The ideal introduction for students of semantics, this book provides the teacher and the student with insights into word meaning.

Containing tales of historical-sociolinguistic detection, this book provides a unique insight into how language contact shapes varieties of English.

An edited collection which provides novel insights into the English language in the eighteenth century.

Describes the development of the Japanese language from its recorded beginnings until the present day.

The ideal introduction for students of semantics, this book provides the teacher and the student with insights into word meaning.

This book focuses on what is involved in acquiring a second dialect and how such learning is different from second language acquisition.

Examines the current status, history and features of Canadian English, focusing on the ''standard'' variety heard across the country today.

Twenty-six of the world''s leading Latin scholars discuss questions of colloquial Latin and its usage.

This book brings together the most important insights from the vast amount of literature on the origin of language.

Containing tales of historical-sociolinguistic detection, this book provides a unique insight into how language contact shapes varieties of English.

A defence of the parametric approach to linguistic variation, set within the framework of the Minimalist Program.

Packed with fascinating examples, this entertaining book explores changes in the English language over time.

This book explores the social and structural dynamics that underlie the creation of new, or restructured, grammars.

This 2004 book describes the major forms of Afro-Hispanic language contact and how they have affected contemporary Spanish.

Examines the current status, history and features of Canadian English, focusing on the ''standard'' variety heard across the country today.

This book focuses on what is involved in acquiring a second dialect and how such learning is different from second language acquisition.

Twenty-six of the world''s leading Latin scholars discuss questions of colloquial Latin and its usage.

An introduction to the writing system of ancient Egypt and the language of hieroglyphic texts, including lessons and exercises.

A defence of the parametric approach to linguistic variation, set within the framework of the Minimalist Program.

Packed with fascinating examples, this entertaining book explores changes in the English language over time.

Outlines a theory of language use and language change, focusing on the processes that give languages their structure and variance.

Documents the linguistic properties of lesser-known varieties of English, showing their relevance for language spread and change.

An introduction to the structure and sociolinguistics of the German language for students of German and linguistics.

This Handbook brings together the world''s foremost researchers to provide a one-stop resource for the study of language acquisition and development.

An insightful study that proposes a unified theory of speech through which conflicting ideas about language might be understood.

A new edition of this textbook discusses the learned vocabulary of English - the words borrowed from the classical languages.

This third edition includes a new and specially written introduction by James McGilvray, contextualising the work for the twenty-first century.

This second edition of this overview of research on intonational phonology includes material on research developments since the mid 1990s.

An original volume focusing on British–American differences in the structure of words and sentences.