The Evolution of Chinese Grammar

The Chinese language has the longest well-documented history, making it a valuable resource for studying language development. This book provides an evolutionary perspective on Chinese grammar, tracing its development from its thirteenth-Century BC origins to the present day. It investigates major changes in the language within contemporary linguistic frameworks and illustrates these with examples from every stage of its development. It is essential reading for academic researchers and students of Asian linguistics, historical linguistics, and syntactic theory.

Format: Hardback
Length: 500 pages
Publication date: 23 March 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The Chinese language boasts the most extensive and meticulously documented historical record among all human languages, making it an invaluable treasure trove for scholars seeking to understand the intricate dynamics of language development and evolution. Spanning a twenty-year research endeavor, this groundbreaking work is the English translation of an award-winning study originally published in Chinese. It offers an evolutionary perspective on the evolution of Chinese grammar, tracing its roots back to the thirteenth century BC and extending to the present day. Through a comprehensive investigation of all significant linguistic transformations within contemporary linguistic frameworks, the book vividly illustrates these changes with a diverse array of examples drawn from every stage of the language's development. By showcasing how the author's findings resonate with contemporary descriptive, theoretical, and historical linguistics, it sheds light on the fundamental characteristics of Chinese and, more broadly, language itself. This essential text is a must-read for academic researchers and students specializing in Asian linguistics, historical linguistics, and syntactic theory, as it provides a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the rich tapestry of Chinese language history and its profound implications for the field of linguistics.

Weight: 1080g
ISBN-13: 9781108844055