Language Dispersal, Diversification, and Contact

This book explores the complex factors that have contributed to the spread of languages across the globe, including agriculture, geography, climate, ethnicity, and language ideologies. It compares the language and population histories of three major regions and is interdisciplinary in approach, drawing insights from archaeology, genetics, anthropology, and geography.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 384 pages
\n Publication date: 24 July 2020
\n Publisher: Oxford University Press
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This comprehensive book delves into the intricate dynamics of language spread across the globe, exploring the factors that contribute to the distribution of large language families in certain regions and the presence of clusters of small families or language isolates elsewhere. By examining the roles played by agriculture, geography, climate, ethnic identity, and language ideologies, the authors offer fresh perspectives and provide new answers to these pressing questions.

The first part of the volume establishes a foundational framework for studying language dispersal, diversification, and contact. It discusses key issues and approaches, providing insights into the methodologies and tools employed in this field. The subsequent chapters compare the language and population histories of three major regions: Island Southeast Asia/Oceania, Africa, and South America. These regions exhibit distinct patterns of language distribution, highlighting the interplay of various factors that have shaped the linguistic landscape.

The volume adopts an interdisciplinary approach, drawing upon insights from archaeology, genetics, anthropology, and geography. This multidisciplinary approach enhances the understanding of language diversity and contact, as it allows for a holistic analysis of the complex factors at play. The book appeals to a wide range of scholars interested in language diversity, contact, and the broader fields of linguistics, anthropology, and geography.

In conclusion, this book is a valuable resource for scholars and researchers seeking to deepen their understanding of language spread and its multifaceted implications. By presenting a comprehensive and interdisciplinary analysis, it sheds light on the complex processes that have contributed to the diverse linguistic landscape of our world and offers valuable insights into the future of language evolution and change.

\n Weight: 692g\n
Dimension: 240 x 162 x 28 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780198723813\n \n