Abstract

ABSTRACT This article offers a critical assessment of the evolution of Roger Lass’s epistemology of linguistic change with particular reference to his two influential monographs on explanation: On Explaining Language Change and Historical Linguistics and Language Change. It analyses the most salient tenets espoused in each work and explains the major influences and the contexts in which they were written, as well as their reception by later language historians. It is thematically organised into the following sections: Introduction. Lass’s 1980 and 1997 monographs on language change Biographical sketch Against naturalness and markedness Against functionalism Against the agency of speakers in language change Against language contact From Popper to Dawkins: from a dualist to a monist stance Conclusions

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.