First Published in 2002. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

Contents:
Chapter 1. Introduction
Chapter 2. Conservation approaches to compensatory lengthening
Chapter 3. Conditions on CVC compensatory lengthening
Chapter 4. Conditions on CVCV compensatory lengthening
Chapter 5. Synchronic CL: an analysis and implications
Chapter 6. Summary and conclusions
Appendix I: Languages with CVC CL
Appendix II: Languages with CVCV CL
References
Index

This volume brings together an international group of linguists from a diverse range of research backgrounds to explore the cycles of change in the world's languages. Historical linguistics does not solely focus on reconstructing a language's linguistic past and exploring the mechanisms underlying previous language changes; it also addresses broader questions concerning the development and ongoing evolution of language. The chapters in this book draw on data both from languages from the distant past, such as Hittite, Proto-Turkic, and Proto-Bantu, and from present-day languages including Akan, Cantonese, Kuuk Thaayorre, Seliš-Ql'ispé, Nivaclé, and Spanish. The contributions showcase current research in historical linguistics and exemplify the dynamism and inherently interdisciplinary nature of the field.