The History of Basque / Edition 1

by R. L. Trask

Overview

Basque is the sole survivor of the very ancient languages of Western Europe. This book, written by an internationally renowned specialist in Basque, provides a comprehensive survey of all that is known about the prehistory of the language, including pronunciation, the grammar and the vocabulary. It also provides a long critical evaluation of the search for its relatives, as well as a thumbnail sketch of the language, a summary of its typological features, an external history and an extensive bibliography.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780415131162
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	12/05/1996
Pages:	480
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

Table of Contents

1.Introduction 2.A thumbnail sketch of the language 3.Phonology 4.Grammar 5.Lexicon 6.Connections with other languages

Editorial Reviews

An introduction providing a summary history of the language, the people, and of linguistic work on Basque is followed by five chapters providing a brief sketch of the language and common misunderstandings about it; an account of the phonological prehistory of the language; a discussion of the work that has been done on the prehistory of Basque morphology and syntax; a description of the sources of the Basque vocabulary; and a treatment of the possible connections between Basque and other languages. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

Booknews

'Larry Trask has written a handbook on the history of Basque which is both thorough and scholarly. The final chapter, Connections with Other Languages is a classic of modern linguistic literature upon which alone one could justify erecting a monument to act as centre piece in a linguistic hall of fame. Larry Trask deserves our respect and gratitude for producing this magnificent volume. A History of Basque fills an important gap in English language vasconic literature as well as providing a stunning example of how good work can be done.' - Paul Sidwell, University of Melbourne

'Over the last few years Lary Task has been indefatigably publishing a series of superb student handbooks; but his special interest is the Basque language, past and present, and this huge History of Basque is the result of many careful years of detailed investigation.... This is thus a genuinely comprehensive account of a subject that has been much in need of one, presented in a style that is accurate and intelligible and reader-friendly, and it can hardly be praised too highly. - Bulletin of Hispanic Studies 75 98

From the Publisher