Dynamics of Contact-Induced Language Change

Product Description The volume deals with previously undescribed morphosyntactic changes appearing in contact settings. Contact-induced changes are dynamic and multiple, involving internal change as well as historical and sociolinguistic factors. Through a multifaceted methodology, the volume takes a fine-grained approach with its roots in a typological perspective. The chapters investigate topics such as the role of multilingual speakers, the differences between contact-induced change and change in endangered languages, and the relationship between contact-induced change and internal change. Review Meagre and inconclusive data are a persistent problem in contact linguistics, which combined with the subtlety of many aspects of contact such as code copying means that perhaps little can actually be proven to the extent of being watertight. However, through work which teases apart the complexities of contact in particular situations, while relating these details to general problems, we gradually move forward at least towards a fuller understanding of the forces which can play a role in these processes. This book is a valuable contribution in that direction. Thomas Owen-Smith in: Linguist List 24.500 About the Author

Claudine Chamoreau and Isabelle Léglise, CNRS SEDYL-CELIA, Villejuif, France.