An Introduction to Linguistic Typology
Author
This clear and accessible introduction to linguistic typology covers all linguistic domains from phonology and morphology over parts-of-speech, the NP and the VP, to simple and complex clauses, pragmatics and language change. There is also a discussion on methodological issues in typology. This textbook is the first introduction that consistently applies the findings of the World Atlas of Language Structures, systematically includes pidgin and creole languages and devotes a section to sign languages in each chapter. All chapters contain numerous illustrative examples and specific feature maps. Keywords and exercises help review the main topics of each chapter. Appendices provide macro data for all the languages cited in the book as well as a list of web sites of typological interest. An extensive glossary gives at-a-glance definitions of the terms used in the book. This introduction is designed for students of courses with a focus on language diversity and typology, as well as typologically-oriented courses in morphology and syntax. The book will also serve as a guide for field linguists.
[Not in series, 176] 2012. xxii, 517 pp.
Publishing status: Available
© John Benjamins Publishing Company
Table of Contents
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Acknowledgements | p. xv
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Abbreviations | pp. xvii–xxi
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Languages cited in Chapter 1 | p. xxii
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1. Introduction | pp. 1–13
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Languages cited in Chapter 2 | p. 14
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2. Typology and universals | pp. 15–37
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Languages cited in Chapter 3 | p. 38
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3. Methodology: Sampling, databases, and how many languages does a typologist speak? | pp. 39–59
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Languages cited in Chapter 4 | p. 60
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4. Phonology | pp. 61–87
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Languages cited in Chapter 5 | p. 88
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5. Morphology | pp. 89–113
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Languages cited in Chapter 6 | p. 114
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6. The lexicon and its classes | pp. 115–153
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Languages cited in Chapter 7 | p. 154
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7. Nominal categories and syntax | pp. 155–191
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Languages cited in Chapter 8 | p. 192
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8. Verbal categories | pp. 193–227
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Languages cited in Chapter 9 | p. 228
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9. Simple clauses | pp. 229–275
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Languages cited in Chapter 10 | p. 276
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10. Word order | pp. 277–305
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Languages cited in Chapter 11 | p. 306
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11. Complex clauses | pp. 307–343
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Languages cited in Chapter 12 | p. 344
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12. Speech acts and politeness | pp. 345–383
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Languages cited in Chapter 13 | p. 384
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13. Language change | pp. 385–420
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Appendix 1. Selected sample of sites | pp. 421–424
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Appendix 2. Languages cited in this book | pp. 425–454
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Glossary | pp. 455–474
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Subject index | pp. 505–518
“This is an impressive piece of work which will be of great help not only for students but also for all of us who want to quickly brush up on basic issues in typology.”
Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Schulze, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
“This is an excellent and useful piece of work, both from the point of view of an explorer of individual languages with an interest in how these fit on the typological map and from the perspective of the advanced undergraduate/graduate student confronted with the field of typology in depth for the first time. This book should help substantially in filling the gap between a large online database and the general implications of such a database for a deeper understanding of the diversity of human languages. The structure of the work, following the outline of a typical grammatical description, makes it extremely accessible as a reference work. The inclusion of notes and extended commentary on sign languages is a most welcome addition.”
Tim Thornes, Boise State University
“Because of its scope, detail of presentation and inclusion of recent data, the work would be a most welcome addition to general publications on typology. [...] The inclusion of sign language in the discussion is highly welcome. There is also an informative chapter on methodological issues in typology.”
Frank Lichtenberk, University of Auckland
“The author states that the distinguishing feature which sets this book apart from other typological introductions is that it incorporates the findings of WALS and other large-scale databases. While this is true, highlighting only this attribute sells the book short. In truth, this is just one of the many features, outlined above, that set the book apart, and make it among the best such introductions in this category. Perhaps its most significant and distinguishing attribute, however, is its textbook-like character and suitability for use in the classroom. Since it targets neither the complete beginner nor the degreed expert, and contains end-of-chapter exercises that instructors can assign, the book makes an excellent and accessible textbook for undergraduate- or graduate-level introductions to typology, where students will know the basics of linguistics, but will not yet have achieved complete expertise. I highly recommend this book as both a text for the classroom and a helpful starting point for fieldworkers needing to be pointed in the right direction for further study.”
Danny Hieber, Rosetta Stone, on Linguist List 24-2550, 2013
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Erratum
Erratum
In the first printing of the US paperback edition some characters were misprinted. If you have inverted question marks in Example (50) on page 109, please write your name on the page, scan it, and email the scanned page with your delivery address to benjamins
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Subjects
Main BIC Subject
CF: Linguistics
Main BISAC Subject
LAN009000: LANGUAGE ARTS & DISCIPLINES / Linguistics / General