Etymology

by Yakov Malkiel

Etymology has been largely neglected since the beginning of this century. Professor Yakov Malkiel here sets out to rescue it from its fate. He enquires into the style, structure, presuppositions, and purposes of etymological enquiries over the last two centuries, and sets them against the practice of etymology in Antiquity and the Middle Ages. He also examines the complex and changing interrelationship between etymology and general linguistics in recent times, with the intention of revitalising etymological research. Professor Malkiel is undoubtedly one of the most distinguished practitioners of the discipline, and brings to this work a remarkable breadth and depth of scholarship. Wide-ranging and imaginative, Etymology will be welcomed by all historical linguists and Romance linguists.

Genres: Language

236 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

Reviews

[Kaleb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I purchased this thinking it was going to be a standard etymology of the English language, but was surprised when it turned out to be more of a jumping off point for what etymologists to follow based on the language you intend to study. This turned out to be better for me than if I had leaped right into a heavy etymology text. Recommended to those who want to begin the study of this subject.

[Jay Fisher · Rating 3 out of 5]

Content 4 stars
Prose 2 stars