This course explores different approaches to historical linguistics, the study of language change. We will discuss various types of linguistic change (phonological, morphological, semantic, and syntactic) and the methods used to investigate these changes. Throughout the course we will address the contribution of historical linguistics to understanding prehistory. Another important topic of this course is linguistic reconstruction (reconstruction of protolanguages), its methods and goals. We also explore the social and linguistic motivations for linguistic change. Finally, we will consider language contact and borrowing and genetic/genealogical classification of languages.

Note that this information may change at any time. Please visit the MyBU Student Portal for the most up-to-date course information.