Lexicalization and Language Change

Lexicalization, a process of language change, has been conceived in a variety of ways. In this up-to-date survey, Laurel Brinton and Elizabeth Traugott examine the various ideas that have been presented. In light of contemporary work on grammaticalization, they then propose a new, unified model of lexicalization and grammaticalization. Their approach is illustrated with a variety of case studies from the history of English, including present participles, multi-word verbs, adverbs, and discourse markers, as well as some examples from other Indo-European languages.

Author: Laurel J. Brinton, Elizabeth Closs Traugott
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Published: 10/27/2005
Pages: 220
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.05lbs
Size: 9.10h x 6.10w x 0.80d
ISBN: 9780521833103

Review Citation(s):
Reference and Research Bk News 08/01/2006 pg. 278

About the Author
Brinton, Laurel J.: - Laurel J. Brinton is Professor in the Department of English, University of British Columbia.Traugott, Elizabeth Closs: - Elizabeth Closs Traugott is Emerita Professor of Linguistics and English at Stanford University.