The Routledge Handbook of Historical Linguistics

This handbook serves as a vital resource in historical linguistics, detailing methods, models, and the relevance of the field across various disciplines.

The Routledge Handbook of Historical Linguistics offers a comprehensive overview of the field, highlighting the methodologies that form the foundation of contemporary research. It delves into various models of language change and emphasizes the significance of historical linguistics in relation to other linguistic subfields and academic disciplines. This exploration is crucial for understanding the evolution of languages and their interconnections over time.

Organized into five distinct sections, the volume encompasses a broad spectrum of approaches to historical linguistics. It addresses critical issues such as historical perspectives, methods and models, language change, and regional summaries. Each section is designed to provide readers with a well-rounded understanding of the complexities involved in the study of language history, making it an invaluable resource for both scholars and students.

With contributions from thirty-two specialists in the field, every chapter of the Routledge Handbook of Historical Linguistics includes an introduction to its subject, an analysis of the interplay between diachronic and synchronic studies, and a review of current trends. Additionally, the chapters feature examples drawn from primary data, ensuring that readers gain practical insights. This handbook is an essential read for researchers and postgraduate students dedicated to advancing their knowledge in historical linguistics.