ABSTRACT

Language Isolates explores this fascinating group of languages that surprisingly comprise a third of the world’s languages.

Individual chapters written by experts on these languages examine the world's major language isolates and language isolates by geographic regions, with up-to-date descriptions of many, including previously unrecorded language isolates. Each language isolate represents a unique lineage and a unique window on what is possible in human language, making this an essential volume for anyone interested in understanding the diversity of languages and the very nature of human language.

Language Isolates is key reading for professionals and students in linguistics and anthropology.

chapter 4|17 pages

Ainu

chapter 5|22 pages

Burushaski

chapter 6|23 pages

Other Isolated Languages of Asia

chapter 7|31 pages

African Language Isolates

chapter 12|21 pages

Language Isolates of Australia

chapter 13|28 pages

Endangerment of Language Isolates