Basic Linguistic Theory provides a fundamental characterization of
the nature of human languages and a comprehensive guide to their
description and analysis. In crystal-clear prose, R. M. W. Dixon
describes how to go about doing linguistics. He show how
grammatical structures and rules may be worked out on the basis of
inductive generalisations, and explains the steps by which an
attested grammar and lexicon can built up from observed utterances.
He describes how the grammars and vocabulary of one language may be
compared to others of the same or different families, explains the
methods involved in cross-linguistic parametric analyses, and shows
how to interpret the results. Volume 3 introduces and examines key
grammatical topics, each from a cross-linguistic perspective. The
subjects include number systems, negation, reflexives and
reciprocals, passives, causatives, comparative constructions, and
questions. The final chapter discusses the relation between
linguistic explanation and the culture and world-view of the
linguist and speakers of the language he or she is describing. The
book ends with a guide to sources, a consideration of the number of
languages in the world, a glossary, and indexes of authors,
languages, and subjects covering all three volumes. Volume 1
addresses the methodology for recording, analysing, and comparing
languages and includes chapters on analysis, typology, phonology,
the lexicon, and field linguistics. Volume 2, like the present
work, considers underlying principles of grammatical organization,
and has chapters devoted to the word, nouns and verbs, adjectives,
transitivity, copula constructions, pronouns and demonstratives,
possession, relative clauses and complementation. Basic Linguistic
Theory is the triumphant outcome of a lifetime's thinking about
every aspect and manifestation of language. The volumes comprise a
one-stop introduction for undergraduate and graduate students of
linguistics, as well as for those in neighbouring disciplines, such
as psychology and anthropology.
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