Providing a contemporary and comprehensive look at the topical area of areal linguistics, this book looks systematically at different regions of the world whilst presenting a focussed and informed overview of the theory behind research into areal linguistics and language contact. The topicality of areal linguistics is thoroughly documented by a wealth of case studies from all major regions of the world and, with chapters from scholars with a broad spectrum of language expertise, it offers insights into the mechanisms of external language change. With no book currently like this on the market, The Cambridge Handbook of Areal Linguistics will be welcomed by students and scholars working on the history of language families, documentation and classification, and will help readers to understand the key area of areal linguistics within a broader linguistic context.

‘The volume provides a balanced introduction to the rapidly developing field of areal linguistics while at the same time highlighting its connection and interdependence with related research fields. Many of the chapters offer ample bibliographical orientation and make good use of maps, enhancing the volume's usefulness as a research tool for understanding the multifaceted phenomenon of linguistic areality. The volume is expected to stimulate further research on areal and contact linguistics and to be of interest to a range of students and scholars interested in language contact, linguistic typology, historical linguistics, and related fields.’

Natalie Operstein Source: LINGUIST List