Quantity Adjustment: Vowel Lengthening and Shortening in Early Middle English (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9780521022910)

Using an innovative theoretical framework, Dr. Ritt describes the phenomenon of the change in vowel length in early Middle English, and sets out to account for its occurrence. He shows that the changes stem from universal principles that govern the way in which humans use speech sounds to communicate. He examines why these principles only sometimes lead to widespread changes, as in Middle English, and goes on to suggest that language is a complex system in which conflicting tendencies are constantly renegotiating their spheres of influence.

Author: Nikolaus Ritt
ISBN-10: 0521022916
ISBN-13: 9780521022910
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Language: English
Published: 11/17/2005
Pages: 220
Format: Paperback
Weight: 0.72lbs
Size: 9.00h x 6.00w x 0.50d