Linguistic Diversity in Space and Time
9780226580579
9780226580562
9780226580593
Linguistic Diversity in Space and Time
In this ground-breaking book, Johanna Nichols proposes means of describing, comparing, and interpreting linguistic diversity, both genetic and structural, providing the foundations for a theory of diversity based upon population science. This book will interest linguists, archaeologists, and population specialists.
"An awe-inspiring book, unequalled in scope, originality, and the range of language data considered."—Anna Siewierska, Linguistics
"Fascinating. . . . A brilliant pioneering study."—Journal of Indo-European Studies
"A superbly reasoned book."—John A. C. Greppin, Times Literary Supplement
"An awe-inspiring book, unequalled in scope, originality, and the range of language data considered."—Anna Siewierska, Linguistics
"Fascinating. . . . A brilliant pioneering study."—Journal of Indo-European Studies
"A superbly reasoned book."—John A. C. Greppin, Times Literary Supplement
374 pages | 5 line drawings, 96 tables, 12 maps | 6 x 9 | © 1992
Language and Linguistics: Language History and Language Universals, Language Studies
Table of Contents
List of Illustrations
List of Tables
Acknowledgments
Note on Transcription and Abbreviations
1. Introduction
2. Favored and Disfavored Grammatical Patterns
3. Correlations between Types
4. Correlations of Structural Types with Grammatical Categories
5. Diachronic Stability: Genetic and Areal
6. The Role of Geography: Structural Affinities between Areas
7. Linguistic Diversity: Geographical Distribution
8. Diversity and Linguistic Prehistory: Conclusions and Open Questions
Appendixes
1. Sample Languages
2. Data: Language (by Area) and Structural Features
3. Alphabetical List of Languages
4. Frequency and Distribution of Voice Systems
Notes
References
Indexes
List of Tables
Acknowledgments
Note on Transcription and Abbreviations
1. Introduction
2. Favored and Disfavored Grammatical Patterns
3. Correlations between Types
4. Correlations of Structural Types with Grammatical Categories
5. Diachronic Stability: Genetic and Areal
6. The Role of Geography: Structural Affinities between Areas
7. Linguistic Diversity: Geographical Distribution
8. Diversity and Linguistic Prehistory: Conclusions and Open Questions
Appendixes
1. Sample Languages
2. Data: Language (by Area) and Structural Features
3. Alphabetical List of Languages
4. Frequency and Distribution of Voice Systems
Notes
References
Indexes