Doing diachrony

Working on syntax through time requires good synchronic analyses of the initial and later I-languages. However, seeking to explain a change enables historical linguists sometimes to link the new I-language with particular features of the external language to which the innovating children were exposed. This enriches understanding of some of the idealizations of synchronic syntax, particularly the relationship between particular Primary Linguistic Data and the grammars triggered.

Published online: 17 January 2013
https://doi.org/10.1075/la.202.18lig