When Minoritized Languages Change Linguistic Theory

Illustrated with fascinating examples throughout, this book shows the transformative effect minoritized languages have on linguistic theory.

Andrew Nevins (Author)

9781316516379, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 1 December 2022

280 pages
23.5 x 15.7 x 1.7 cm, 0.42 kg

'This book is truly one-of-a-kind. Nevins shows just how much the study of minoritized languages has contributed to real changes in the generative theory for the full gamut of core areas of generative linguistics. It is a must-read book for any generative theoretical linguist wanting to work with speakers of minoritized languages and varieties, stressing the social justice obligations that come with such research and the need to rethink how linguistics is taught.' Keren Rice, Professor of Linguistics, University of Toronto

For decades, a small set of major world languages have formed the basis of the vast majority of linguistic theory. However, minoritized languages can also provide fascinating contributions to our understanding of the human language faculty. This pioneering book explores the transformative effect minoritized languages have on mainstream linguistic theory, which, with their typically unusual syntactic, morphological and phonological properties, challenge and question frameworks that were developed largely to account for more widely-studied languages. The chapters address the four main pillars of linguistic theory – syntax, semantics, phonology, and morphology – and provide plenty of case studies to show how minoritized language can disrupt assumptions, and lead to modifications of the theory itself. It is illustrated with examples from a range of languages, and is written in an engaging and accessible style, making it essential reading for both students and researchers of theoretical syntax, phonology and morphology, and language policy and politics.

List of figures
Acknowledgements
List of abbreviations
1. Expanding the canon: minoritization in the world and in linguistic theory
2. Indexical shift in Zazaki and Uyghur
3. Why ergative case requires structure in Basque and Ch'ol
4. Closest conjunct agreement in Slovenian and Xhosa
5. Configurationality of objects in Chichewa and Warlpiri
6. Partial nasality in Maxakalí and Kaingang
7. Symmetric hands in sign language phonologies
8. Number-encoding on verbs in Hiaki and Chechen
9. Conclusion: towards healthy futures in the language sciences
Bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: Grammar, syntax & morphology [CFK], Phonetics, phonology [CFH], Sociolinguistics [CFB]