Number

First published in 2000, this book explores the grammatical category of number across various languages, highlighting the complexity and diversity of number systems beyond the typical singular and plural distinctions.

Number, first published in 2000, serves as a comprehensive introduction to the grammatical category of number, exploring its complexities across various languages. Greville Corbett, the author, highlights the richness of linguistic diversity that often goes unnoticed, making this work particularly valuable for students of linguistics. This book is the first extensive examination of number as a grammatical category, providing an essential entry point into the field of linguistic typology.

One of the central themes of Number is the common misconception that the singular-plural distinction, as seen in English (e.g., cat versus cats), represents the entirety of number systems. Corbett challenges this notion by showcasing languages that employ multiple distinctions, some having three, four, or even five different forms to indicate number. Through a wide-ranging perspective, he analyzes various systems of number and uncovers the diverse methods languages use to signal these distinctions.

In addition to examining the basic structures of number, the book reveals unexpected additional functions that these systems can serve. By surveying the linguistic resources available worldwide, Number makes a significant contribution to our understanding of grammatical categories and demonstrates the vast variability present in human languages. Corbett's work encourages readers to appreciate the complexities of number and its implications for linguistic studies, ultimately enriching the field of typology.