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The Ecology of Language Evolution

Paperback / softback

Main Details

Title The Ecology of Language Evolution
Authors and Contributors      By (author) Salikoko S. Mufwene
SeriesCambridge Approaches to Language Contact
Physical Properties
Format:Paperback / softback
Pages:276
Dimensions(mm): Height 229,Width 152
Category/GenreSociolinguistics
ISBN/Barcode 9780521794756
ClassificationsDewey:417.7
Audience
Professional & Vocational
Illustrations 6 Tables, unspecified; 7 Maps; 3 Line drawings, unspecified

Publishing Details

Publisher Cambridge University Press
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publication Date 30 August 2001
Publication Country United Kingdom

Description

This major new work explores the development of creoles and other new languages, focusing on the conceptual and methodological issues they raise for genetic linguistics. Written by an internationally renowned linguist, the book discusses the nature and significance of internal and external factors or 'ecologies' that bear on the evolution of a language. The book surveys a wide range of examples of changes in the structure, function and vitality of languages, and suggests that similar ecologies have played the same kinds of roles in all cases of language evolution. Drawing on major theories of language formation, macroecology and population genetics, Mufwene proposes a common approach to the development of creoles and other new languages. The Ecology of Language Evolution will be welcomed by students and researchers in sociolinguistics, creolistics, theoretical linguistics and theories of evolution.

Reviews

"Mufwene's proposals will undoubtedly interest linguists and theorists of evolution alike." Interdisciplinary Journal for Germanic Linguistics and Semiotic Analysis