101 Problems and Solutions in Historical Linguistics

Abstract

A hands-on approach to historical linguistics, working through 101 problems in five different categories This workbook guides students through 12 problems on the establishment of genetic relationship among languages, 24 problems on sound change, 35 problems on phonological reconstruction, 10 problems on internal reconstruction, and 20 problems on subgrouping. Each section begins with an introduction to the principles of historical linguistics as applied to the topic in hand. The problems come next, ordered by level of difficulty – beginning, intermediate, advanced. The ‘Solutions’ section at the end of the book provides answers. The workbook is intended to be a companion piece to any textbook on historical linguistics, providing data-based instruction on the basic principles of the field and illustrating theory in a practical way. Key Features A clear structure for each section combining an overview of the topic with progressively difficult problems to work through Covers a wide range of problem types using examples from a wide range of languages including Austronesian languages Provides explicit solutions to all problems without the need to resort to a separate answer book or teacher’s manual Groups the problems by level of difficulty with realistic and holistic expectations for solutions Student edition features colour throughout