36.1200, Books: Negation in English and other languages: Jespersen, Reynolds (ed.) Evans (ed.), and Silvennoinen (2025)

[The LINGUIST List]

LINGUIST List: Vol-36-1200. Thu Apr 10 2025. ISSN: 1069 - 4875.

Subject: 36.1200, Books: Negation in English and other languages: Jespersen, Reynolds (ed.) Evans (ed.), and Silvennoinen (2025)

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Date: 08-Apr-2025
From: Sebastian Nordhoff [sebastian.nordhoff at langsci-press.org]
Subject: Negation in English and other languages: Jespersen, Reynolds (ed.) Evans (ed.), and Silvennoinen (2025)


Title: Negation in English and other languages
Series Title: Classics in Linguistics
Publication Year: 2025

Publisher: Language Science Press
           http://langsci-press.org
Book URL: https://langsci-press.org/catalog/book/501

Author(s): Otto Jespersen; Brett Reynolds, Peter Evans; Olli O.
Silvennoinen

eBook

Abstract:

Otto Jespersen's landmark study of negation provides a wide-ranging
analysis of how languages express negative meaning. Drawing on an
impressive array of historical texts and comparative examples,
primarily from Germanic and Romance languages, Jespersen examines the
forms, functions, and historical development of negative expressions.
The work traces the evolution of negative markers, analyzes how
negative prefixes modify word meanings, and reveals coherent patterns
in how languages structure negative expressions.
Through meticulous analysis of authentic examples, Jespersen documents
both common patterns and language-specific variations in negative
expressions. His treatment of topics such as double negation, the
distinction between special and nexal negation, and the various forms
of negative particles provides a methodical account of negation's
complexity. The work's enduring importance stems not only from its
analysis of the cyclical renewal of negative markers (later termed
“Jespersen's Cycle”) but from its comprehensive scope and detailed
examination of negative expressions across multiple languages and
historical periods.
This new critical edition makes this classic work accessible to modern
readers while preserving its scholarly depth. The text has been
completely re-typeset, with examples presented in contemporary
numbered format and non-English examples given Leipzig-style glosses.
A new introduction contextualizes Jespersen's achievement and
demonstrates its continued significance for current linguistic
research.

Linguistic Field(s): Typology

Subject Language(s): English (eng)

Written In: English (eng)



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