How Words Change Meaning - ( Bilingual and Critical Edition ) - Antoine Meillet

How Words Change Meaning: A Bilingual and Critical Edition

In his seminal work, "How Words Change Meaning," renowned linguist Antoine Meillet delves into the fascinating world of semantic change, exploring the myriad ways in which words evolve and transform over time. This bilingual edition, meticulously edited and annotated, offers a comprehensive and accessible exploration of Meillet's groundbreaking research, making it an indispensable resource for linguists, scholars, and anyone interested in the ever-changing nature of language.

A Journey into the Evolution of Words

Meillet embarks on an intellectual journey, tracing the intricate paths words take as they traverse the landscape of time. He masterfully demonstrates how words can undergo subtle shifts in meaning, morph into entirely new concepts, or even fall into disuse, all while shedding light on the underlying forces that drive these linguistic transformations.

Key Concepts and Theories

Meillet introduces a wealth of key concepts and theories that have shaped the field of semantics. He explores the notion of semantic fields, arguing that words within the same semantic domain interact and influence each other's meanings. He also delves into the concept of polysemy, examining how words can acquire multiple meanings over time.

Historical and Cultural Influences

Meillet emphasizes the profound impact of historical and cultural factors on semantic change. He illustrates how social, political, and technological shifts can reshape the meanings of words, providing numerous examples from various languages and time periods.

Methodological Innovations

Meillet's work is characterized by his innovative methodological approach. He combines rigorous linguistic analysis with insights from history, sociology, and anthropology, creating a holistic framework for understanding semantic change.

A Treasure Trove of Linguistic Insights

"How Words Change Meaning" is a treasure trove of linguistic insights, offering a wealth of thought-provoking examples and case studies. Meillet's meticulous scholarship and engaging writing style make this book a captivating read for anyone interested in the dynamic nature of language.

Bilingual Edition: Unlocking the Original Text

This bilingual edition presents Meillet's original French text alongside a meticulously crafted English translation. This unique format allows readers to engage with the original work while also benefiting from a clear and accessible translation.

Critical Edition: Unveiling the Scholarly Discourse

The critical edition features extensive annotations and commentary from leading scholars in the field of linguistics. These annotations provide valuable insights into Meillet's work, contextualizing it within the broader scholarly discourse and highlighting its enduring significance.

A Must-Have for Linguists and Scholars

"How Words Change Meaning: A Bilingual and Critical Edition" is a must-have for linguists, scholars, and anyone fascinated by the ever-evolving nature of language. Meillet's groundbreaking research, combined with the bilingual format and critical edition, makes this book an invaluable resource for understanding the complexities of semantic change.

Embark on a Linguistic Adventure

Join Antoine Meillet on an intellectual adventure as he unravels the mysteries of semantic change. Discover how words shape our understanding of the world and how they, in turn, are shaped by the forces of history, culture, and society. "How Words Change Meaning" is an essential guide for anyone seeking to comprehend the dynamic nature of language and its profound impact on human communication.