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Because of its scope, detail of presentation and inclusion of recent data, the work would be a most welcome addition to general publications on typology. [...] The inclusion of sign language in the discussion is highly welcome. There is also an informative chapter on methodological issues in typology.
- Frank Lichtenberk, University of Auckland,
This is an excellent and useful piece of work, both from the point of view of an explorer of individual languages with an interest in how these fit on the typological map and from the perspective of the advanced undergraduate/graduate student confronted with the field of typology in depth for the first time. This book should help substantially in filling the gap between a large online database and the general implications of such a database for a deeper understanding of the diversity of human languages. The structure of the work, following the outline of a typical grammatical description, makes it extremely accessible as a reference work. The inclusion of notes and extended commentary on sign languages is a most welcome addition.
- Tim Thornes, Boise State University,
This is an impressive piece of work which will be of great help not only for students but also for all of us who want to quickly brush up on basic issues in typology.
- Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Schulze, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München,
The author states that the distinguishing feature which sets this book apart from other typological introductions is that it incorporates the findings of WALS and other large-scale databases. While this is true, highlighting only this attribute sells the book short. In truth, this is just one of the many features, outlined above, that set the book apart, and make it among the best such introductions in this category. Perhaps its most significant and distinguishing attribute, however, is its textbook-like character and suitability for use in the classroom. Since it targets neither the complete beginner nor the degreed expert, and contains end-of-chapter exercises that instructors can assign, the book makes an excellent and accessible textbook for undergraduate- or graduate-level introductions to typology, where students will know the basics of linguistics, but will not yet have achieved complete expertise. I highly recommend this book as both a text for the classroom and a helpful starting point for fieldworkers needing to be pointed in the right direction for further study.
- Danny Hieber, Rosetta Stone, on Linguist List 24-2550, 2013,