The Oxford Handbook of Evidentiality

The Oxford Handbook of Evidentiality provides a comprehensive exploration of evidentiality,the linguistic encoding of the source of information on which a statement is based. It covers a range of languages and epistemological expressions,from lexical means to highly grammaticalized systems,and includes case studies of evidentiality in language families worldwide.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 920 pages
Publication date: 08 February 2024
Publisher: Oxford University Press

The Oxford Handbook of Evidentiality is a comprehensive and thorough exploration of evidentiality, the linguistic encoding of the source of information upon which a statement is based. This handbook offers a systematic and cross-linguistic account of evidentiality, covering a wide range of languages and their approaches to conveying the source of information. In certain languages, speakers are required to explicitly specify the source of their information, whether it be through direct observation, hearing, inference based on visual evidence, or knowledge acquired through someone else. While not all languages necessitate this explicit marking, every language possesses mechanisms for referring to the source and associated epistemological meanings. The continuum of epistemological expressions spans a diverse array of devices, ranging from the lexical means found in familiar European languages to the highly grammaticalized systems observed in Amazonia or North America.

In this handbook, esteemed experts from various fields delve into diverse topics related to evidentiality. These include the intricate relationship between evidentials and epistemic modality, the impact of contact on evidential systems, the acquisition process of evidentials, and formal semantic theories that elucidate evidentiality. Furthermore, the Oxford Handbook of Evidentiality presents detailed case studies of evidentiality across language families worldwide. These case studies encompass languages such as Algonquian, Korean, Nakh-Dagestanian, Nambikwara, Turkic, Uralic, and Uto-Aztecan, providing valuable insights into the diverse manifestations of evidentiality across linguistic boundaries.

By examining these topics in depth, the Oxford Handbook of Evidentiality serves as a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, and language enthusiasts alike. It offers a comprehensive and up-to-date account of evidentiality, shedding light on the complex linguistic mechanisms employed to convey information source and epistemological meanings. This handbook contributes to our understanding of language and cognition, enriching our appreciation of the diverse ways in which humans communicate and interpret the world around them.

Weight: 1592g
Dimension: 425 x 246 x 53 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198901013