The History of Basque

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:	9781136167638
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	09/13/2013
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	480
File size:	6 MB

About the Author

R. L. Trask

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