Overview
An understanding of language as a complex system helps us to think differently about linguistics, and helps us to address the impact of linguistic interaction. This book demonstrates how the science of complex systems changes every area of linguistics: how to make a grammar, how to think about the history of language, how language works in the brain, and how it works in social settings. Kretzschmar argues that to construct the best grammars of languages it is necessary to understand the complex system of speech. Each chapter makes specific recommendations for how linguists should manage empirical data in order to form better generalizations about a language and its varieties. The book will be welcomed by students and scholars working in linguistics and English language, especially the study of language variation and the historical development of English.
Full Product Details
Author: William A. Kretzschmar, Jr (University of Georgia)
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Imprint: Cambridge University Press
Dimensions:
Width: 14.70cm
, Height: 1.50cm
, Length: 22.90cm
Weight: 0.500kg
ISBN: 9781107100459
ISBN 10: 1107100453
Pages: 246
Publication Date: 28 May 2015
Audience:
Professional and scholarly
,
Professional and scholarly
,
Professional & Vocational
,
Professional & Vocational
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active
Availability: Manufactured on demand
We will order this item for you from a manufactured on demand supplier.
Reviews
'In Language and Complex Systems, William Kretzschmar brings complexity theory to linguistics. Clear and compelling, the book offers a fresh perspective on the way that orderliness arises in language.' Edwin Battistella, Southern Oregon University 'This book is the most powerful account of linguistic variation I have seen. It will change the way all kinds of linguists - from socio to generative - perceive language.' Dr Laura Wright, University of Cambridge
Advance praise: 'In Language and Complex Systems, William Kretzschmar brings complexity theory to linguistics. Clear and compelling, the book offers a fresh perspective on the way that orderliness arises in language.' Edwin Battistella, Southern Oregon University Advance praise: 'This book is the most powerful account of linguistic variation I have seen. It will change the way all kinds of linguists - from socio to generative - perceive language.' Dr Laura Wright, University of Cambridge
Author Information
William A. Kretzschmar, Jr teaches English as Harry and Jane Willson Professor in Humanities at the University of Georgia. He also has appointments at the University of Glasgow in Scotland and the University of Oulu in Finland. His recent publications include The Linguistics of Speech (Cambridge University Press, 2009).
