A History of the Spanish Language [Paperback]

Ralph Penny (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 26, 1991 | ISBN-10: 0521397847 | ISBN-13: 978-0521397841

This book provides a clear and elegant account of the development of Spanish over the last 2000 years. Although principally oriented towards 'internal' history, 'external' history is considered in outline in the Introduction and is referred to throughout. The four principal chapters deal in detail with phonological development, and with morpho-syntactical, lexical and semantic change. Professor Penny's treatment of the sound-system is in terms both of broad patterns of change and specific phonemic developments, and is described in two main phases: spoken Latin to medieval Spanish, and medieval to modern Spanish. In the chapter on morpho-syntax, grammatical morphology and lexical morphology are treated separately, with particular attention paid to word formation. The sources of Spanish vocabulary, inherited and borrowed, are discussed in Chapter 4, and Chapter 5 is concerned with causes, typology and effects of semantic change. Written as a textbook, the comprehensive coverage of the major varieties of Spanish given here will be welcomed by scholars and students alike.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Similar to the works of Menendez Pidal, Lapesa, Entwistle, and other scholars, Penny's book provides new and invaluable insights on the varieties of the Spanish language. Although this excellent book was designed as a textbook for college students, it will prove useful for scholars as well. Heartilly recommended for all libraries." Choice

Book Description

This textbook provides a clear and elegant account of the development of Spanish over the last 2000 years.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 335 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (April 26, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521397847
• ISBN-13: 978-0521397841
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #298,922 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Solid scholarship, sound history, January 1, 2004

By 

Alekos (Cancun, Quintana Roo Mexico) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A History of the Spanish Language (Paperback)

This book is extremely complete and quite well written. In the introduction we find some general observations on the nature of linguistic studies, consideration of the various peoples who have contributed to the make-up of what we know as modern Spanish, and other "humanistic" considerations. The phonology section covers all kinds of historical change (this is the section that held most interest for me). Under morphology and syntax there are a bunch of things that, as I read them, I felt like kicking myself because they had never occurred to me. The part on the lexicon is vastly instructive, with discussions of borrowings as well as changes that have taken place over time in the Latin sub-stratum of the vocabulary. There is a final part on semantics, and the author himself suggests that it may be weakest section: any discussion of the semantic development of a language is "is inevitably incomplete and is likely to be at least partially inaccurate." But here the fault is not the author's. Actually, he does and excellent job of telling what there is of the semantics story.

20 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Delivers as promised, September 13, 2000

By 

William L. Harwood - See all my reviews

This review is from: A History of the Spanish Language (Paperback)

This book delivers exactly what it promises--a thorough, well-written account of the development of modern Spanish. I espcially like the connections it makes with Latin and Arabic roots.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An extremely technical and useful text, November 3, 2006

By 

Mrs. Melton "Mrs. Melton" (Arkansas, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: A History of the Spanish Language (Paperback)

I am using this textbook in graduate level History of the Spanish Language/Linguistics class. I really like the book, but it is very technical. It is not an easy read. The language is complex and specific. A extensive knowledge of Latin would be beneficial, but it is not required. The book is full of excellent and accurate information. Penny is a very techinical and intelligent author. He portrays the rich and expansive history of the Spanish language in an eloquent and detailed way. This is not an easy book to pick up, but it teaches so much about the language. It is a worthwhile read. An excellent book!