Understanding Language Change

Understanding Historical Linguistics offers a complete introduction to language change. The book takes a step-by-step approach, first by introducing concepts through English examples and building on this with illustrations from other languages. Key features of this introductory text include up to date and recent case studies at the end of each chapter; chapter summaries and exercises that feature a wide range of languages; coverage of application of historical linguistics in each chapter; and a glossary of terms. This book is essential reading for any students studying Historical Linguistics for the first time.