An Introduction to Contact Linguistics (Language in Society) - Hardcover

Winford, Donald

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0631212507 ISBN 13: 9780631212508

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell, 2002

Synopsis

This book is a comprehensive introduction to the study of language contact and its outcomes, as well as the social and linguistic factors involved. An Introduction to Contact Linguistics examines a wide range of language contact phenomena from both general linguistic and sociolinguistic perspectives. It provides an account of current approaches to all of the major types of contact-induced change. Each chapter describes both the linguistic and social aspects of the contact situation and how they affect the outcome. There is also discussion of the general processes and principles that are at work in cases of contact. The book treats all of these diverse contact phenomena in a unified empirical and theoretical framework within which both the outcomes and the processes and principles at work in each case can be identified and compared.

About this title

Review

"This is a highly engaging text that gives thorough coverage of all aspects of contact linguistics. The writing is clear and concise, and the book presents even complex issues in an entertaining and accessible style. Right from the beginning, Winford makes it clear that the field of study adopts an interdisciplinary approach that draws on theoretical linguistics and theories of second language acquisition, and that these theories are intertwined with sociocultural factors." (Language Documentation & Conservation)

"The volume's extensive, linguistically detailed coverage will make this a stimulating textbook for upper level students with good prior grounding in linguistics." (Anthropological Linguistics)

"Along with a comprehensive state-of-the-art presentation of the basic theories and notions in this field, Winford's book is an exciting opening to the sophisticated and intricate universe of languages rubbing shoulders throughout the world ... the book contains a wealth of scholarly material and experimental data which allows for broad perception of language contact." (Language Awareness)

"This book is a very good new introduction to language contact, and a must read for all students in the area." (Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development)

About the Author

Donald Winford is Professor of Linguistics at Ohio State University. He is author of Predication in Caribbean English Creoles (1993), and co-editor of several volumes, including Focus and Grammatical Relations in Creoles (1993), and The Structure and Status of Pidgins and Creoles (1998). He was President of the Society for Caribbean Linguistics (1998-2000), and is currently editor of the Journal of Pidgin and Creole Languages.

Edition details

• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 0631212507
• ISBN 13: 9780631212508
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 434