Linguistic Variation

Abstract

Linguistic Variation is an international, peer-reviewed journal that focuses on the study of linguistic variation. It seeks to investigate to what extent the study of linguistic variation can shed light on the broader issue of language-particular versus language-universal properties, on the interaction between what is fixed and necessary on the one hand and what is variable and contingent on the other. This enterprise involves properly defining and delineating the notion of linguistic variation by identifying loci of variation. What are the variable properties of natural language and what is its invariant core? These questions can be addressed empirically by studying closely related languages (microvariation, dialectology, sociolinguistic variation) and larger typological groups (macrovariation), as well as by looking at language change and language development. Theoretically, these questions can be addressed from the point of view of syntax, morphology, phonology, phonetics, semantics, and pragmatics. Linguistic Variation aims to provide a forum for the discussion of these and related topics. It welcomes both empirically and theoretically oriented papers that further our understanding of linguistic variation by relating patterns of variation to the organization of the human language faculty. Linguistic Variation publishes its articles Online First. Volumes 1 (2001) - 10 (2010) appeared under the title Linguistic Variation Yearbook .