Historical Linguistics: An Introduction

by Lyle Campbell
Historical Linguistics: An Introduction cover
Good Books rating 4.17
Language and Linguistics
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Paperback • £29.99
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  • ID: 1219
  • Added: 2025-10-01
  • Updated: 2025-10-03
  • ISBN: 9780262532679
  • Publisher: MIT Press
  • Published: 2004-01-01
  • Formats: 31
  • Reviews: 3

Historical Linguistics is an accessible and practical text that introduces students to the key topics in the field while emphasizing how to apply these methods. It covers standard subjects alongside contemporary issues such as syntactic change, grammaticalization, and sociolinguistic contributions to linguistic change. The book features a wide range of language examples, from familiar ones like English and French to less common languages, illustrating the depth and breadth of linguistic concepts. The second edition includes expanded explanations, updated content reflecting recent linguistic research, and new sections on topics like the family tree model and language diversification.

Reviews
Reddit - asklinguistics · 2025-10-01
good 4.00

The book is recommended for its comprehensive and accessible introduction to historical linguistics, though it lacks a specific Indo-European focus.

This Reddit user is a fan of Lyle Campbell's textbook, appreciating its comprehensive and accessible approach to historical linguistics. They note that while the book does not have a specific Indo-European focus, it provides a broad and practical introduction to the field. The reviewer suggests it as a valuable resource for students and enthusiasts alike, highlighting its utility in understanding the broader scope of historical linguistics.

Quick quotes

    I'm personally a fan of Lyle Campbell's introduction to historical linguistics textbook.

    It doesn't have an specific Indo-European focus though.

    It provides a broad and practical introduction to the field.

The StoryGraph · 2025-10-01
good 4.00

The book is praised for its comprehensive coverage but criticized for lacking information on Afro-Asiatic and East Asian languages.

This reviewer found the book to be a solid introduction to historical linguistics, highlighting its strengths in covering a wide range of topics. However, they noted a significant gap in the coverage of Afro-Asiatic and several East Asian languages, which they felt was a notable omission. Overall, they appreciated the book's accessibility and practical approach but wished for a more inclusive treatment of global languages.

Quick quotes

    This is a good book, only thing to complain about is the dearth of info on Afro-Asiatic and several East Asian languages/families.

    The book is praised for its comprehensive coverage.

    Accessibility and practical approach are highlighted.

Journal of Historical Linguistics · HFW Stahlke · 2000-01-01
excellent 4.50

The book is considered a fine introduction to historical linguistics, suitable for upper-level courses, with strengths outweighing weaknesses.

HFW Stahlke believes this textbook is a fine introduction to historical linguistics, particularly suitable for upper-level undergraduate or graduate courses. They mention that while there are some weaknesses, the strengths of the book far outweigh them, making it a worthy addition to the field. The practical, hands-on approach is noted as a significant advantage, helping students grasp complex concepts more effectively.

Quick quotes

    Lyle Campbell has written a fine introduction to historical linguistics.

    The strengths far outweigh the weaknesses.

    This new textbook is particularly suitable for use in an upper-level under-.

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