This textbook introduces and explains the fundamental issues, major
research questions, and current approaches in the study of
grammaticalization - the development of new grammatical forms from
lexical items, and of further grammatical functions from existing
grammatical forms. Grammaticalization has been a vibrant research
field in recent years, and has proven effective in explaining a wide
range of phenomena; it has even been claimed that the only true
language universals are diachronic, and are related to
cross-linguistic processes of grammaticalization. The chapters provide
a detailed account of the major issues in the field: foundational
questions such as directionality, criteria and parameters of
grammaticalization, and phases and cycles; the much-debated issue of
the motivations behind grammaticalization, including the role of
language contact and typological influences; the advantages and
disadvantages of different theoretical approaches; and the
relationship between grammaticalization and process such as
lexicalization, exaptation, and the development of discourse markers.
Each chapter offers guidance on further reading, and concludes with
study questions to encourage further discussion; there is also a
glossary of key terminology in the field. Thanks to its comprehensive
approach, the volume will serve as both a textbook for undergraduate
and graduate students and a valuable reference work for researchers in
the field.
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Produktdetaljer
ISBN
9780191065088
Publisert
2021
Utgiver
Oxford University Press Academic UK
Språk
Product language
Engelsk
Format
Product format
Digital bok
Forfatter