A History of the Spanish Language - Softcover

Penny, Ralph

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0521397847 ISBN 13: 9780521397841

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 1991

Synopsis

This book provides a clear and elegant account of the development of Spanish over the last 2000 years. Although principally oriented towards 'internal' history, 'external' history is considered in outline in the Introduction and is referred to throughout. The four principal chapters deal in detail with phonological development, and with morpho-syntactical, lexical and semantic change. Professor Penny's treatment of the sound-system is in terms both of broad patterns of change and specific phonemic developments, and is described in two main phases: spoken Latin to medieval Spanish, and medieval to modern Spanish. In the chapter on morpho-syntax, grammatical morphology and lexical morphology are treated separately, with particular attention paid to word formation. The sources of Spanish vocabulary, inherited and borrowed, are discussed in Chapter 4, and Chapter 5 is concerned with causes, typology and effects of semantic change. Written as a textbook, the comprehensive coverage of the major varieties of Spanish given here will be welcomed by scholars and students alike.

About this title

Review

"Similar to the works of Menendez Pidal, Lapesa, Entwistle, and other scholars, Penny's book provides new and invaluable insights on the varieties of the Spanish language. Although this excellent book was designed as a textbook for college students, it will prove useful for scholars as well. Heartilly recommended for all libraries." Choice

Book Description

This textbook provides a clear and elegant account of the development of Spanish over the last 2000 years.

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 1991
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521397847
• ISBN 13: 9780521397841
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 335