In this essay I will try to show similarities and differences between English and Serbo-Croatian, and to find out how it is possible, that this two languages, the one spoken in Northern Europe, the other in South-Eastern Europe, could have a common "ancestress". First I will give a survey about the historical development of the young science of linguistics in general - from the first so-called ´grammarians` in the antiquity up to nowadays linguistic theories, advanced by some famous linguists. Here I will mention names of persons, who left some important ideas for the following generation of linguists, especially for the comparative Indo-European studies. Then I will describe the origin of the Germanic and the Slavic language groups. This will be followed by a few words about the origin especially of English and Serbo-Croatian, and further by a description of the characteristics of the Standard forms. After some explanations about the pronunciation, the phonology, the morphology and the basic word formation and grammer patterns, I will sum up, if there are etymological connections between nowadays English and Serbo-Croatian.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Linguistics Before the 19th Century
- Antiquity
- The Middle Ages
- The Renaissance
- The Development of Indo-European Studies
- The Predecessors
- Sir William Jones
- Friedrich and August Schlegel
- Wilhelm von Humboldt
- Rasmus Rask
- Franz Bopp
- Jakob Grimm
- Karl Verner
- August Schleicher
- Johannes Schmidt
- Friedrich Karl Brugmann
- Berthold Delbrück
- The Predecessors
- The Comparative Method
- Proto-Indo-European
- Basic Steps in the Comparative Method
- Criticisms of the Comparative Method
- Classification of the Selected Indo-European Languages
- The Germanic Languages
- English
- The Slavic Languages
- Serbo-Croatian
- The Germanic Languages
- A Comparison of English and Serbo-Croatian
- Phonetics and Pronunciation
- Phonology
- Morphology
- Word Formation and Syntax
- Elements of Word Formation
- Grammar
- Linguistics in the 20th Century
- Structuralism and Ferdinand de Saussure
- Noam Chomsky
Objectives and Key Themes
This study aims to explore the fundamental differences between a Germanic language (English) and a Slavic language (Serbo-Croatian), providing a comparative analysis of their linguistic features. The study traces the historical development of linguistics, focusing on the Indo-European language family and the comparative method.
- Historical Development of Linguistics
- The Indo-European Language Family
- Comparative Method of Linguistic Reconstruction
- Comparative Analysis of English and Serbo-Croatian
- Key Differences and Similarities between Germanic and Slavic Languages
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introductory chapter establishes the core objective of the study: to compare and contrast English and Serbo-Croatian, highlighting their common Indo-European ancestry despite their apparent differences. It introduces the concept of language evolution and the challenges in tracing the development of languages like English and Serbo-Croatian to their common ancestor. The chapter uses numerical examples to illustrate the similarities between various Indo-European languages, laying the groundwork for a deeper comparative analysis in subsequent chapters. The introduction also notes that while modern forms of these languages appear distinct, underlying similarities can be revealed through careful linguistic analysis.
Linguistics Before the 19th Century: This chapter provides a historical overview of linguistic studies from antiquity through the Renaissance, setting the stage for the development of Indo-European linguistics in the 19th century. It traces the evolution of grammatical understanding across different historical periods and cultures, showing how the groundwork for the modern comparative method was laid by earlier scholars, though without the benefit of the systematic methodology developed later. The chapter lays out the intellectual context within which Indo-European linguistics emerged.
The Development of Indo-European Studies: This chapter focuses on the key figures and breakthroughs in the development of Indo-European studies, starting with the pioneering work of Sir William Jones and continuing through the contributions of various scholars. It details their methods and insights, showcasing the evolution of the comparative method and the increasing understanding of the relationships between different Indo-European languages. The chapter emphasizes the collaborative and iterative nature of scientific progress in linguistics.
The Comparative Method: This chapter delves into the methodology of comparative linguistics, explaining its principles and applications in reconstructing Proto-Indo-European and other ancestor languages. It also addresses criticisms of the comparative method, acknowledging its limitations while highlighting its enduring importance in linguistic research. This sets the methodological stage for the comparative analysis of English and Serbo-Croatian.
Classification of the Selected Indo-European Languages: This chapter provides a detailed overview of the Germanic and Slavic language families, specifically focusing on English and Serbo-Croatian. It contextualizes these two languages within their respective branches, highlighting key features that define each group and differentiate them from others within the Indo-European family. This chapter provides necessary background information for the following comparative analysis.
A Comparison of English and Serbo-Croatian: This chapter undertakes a direct comparison of English and Serbo-Croatian across various linguistic levels: phonetics, phonology, morphology, and syntax. It analyzes similarities and differences in sound systems, word structures, and grammatical rules, showcasing the shared heritage while also illuminating the unique paths of development each language has taken. This is the core of the study, presenting the results of the comparative analysis.
Keywords
Indo-European languages, comparative linguistics, Germanic languages, Slavic languages, English, Serbo-Croatian, historical linguistics, Proto-Indo-European, comparative method, morphology, phonology, syntax.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the main focus of this language preview?
This preview offers a comprehensive overview of a comparative linguistic study focusing on English and Serbo-Croatian. It traces the historical development of linguistics, particularly Indo-European studies, and then performs a detailed comparison of the two selected languages across various linguistic levels (phonetics, phonology, morphology, and syntax).
What topics are covered in the preview's table of contents?
The table of contents includes sections on the history of linguistics (pre-19th century and the development of Indo-European studies), the comparative method, classification of Indo-European languages (with a focus on Germanic and Slavic branches), a detailed comparison of English and Serbo-Croatian, and a brief look at 20th-century linguistics. Each section contains sub-sections delving into specific aspects of the subject matter.
What are the key objectives and themes explored in the study?
The study aims to explore the fundamental differences and similarities between English (a Germanic language) and Serbo-Croatian (a Slavic language). Key themes include the historical development of linguistics, the Indo-European language family, the comparative method of linguistic reconstruction, and a comparative analysis of the grammatical structures and sound systems of English and Serbo-Croatian.
What is the methodology used in the comparative analysis of English and Serbo-Croatian?
The study utilizes the comparative method of linguistic reconstruction, a cornerstone of historical linguistics. This method involves comparing features of related languages to identify common ancestors and trace their evolution. The analysis covers phonetics, phonology, morphology, and syntax to identify both shared features stemming from their common Indo-European ancestor and divergences that have occurred due to independent development.
What are the key historical figures and events discussed in the preview regarding the development of Indo-European studies?
The preview highlights the contributions of significant figures such as Sir William Jones, the Schlegel brothers, Wilhelm von Humboldt, Rasmus Rask, Franz Bopp, Jakob Grimm, Karl Verner, August Schleicher, Johannes Schmidt, Friedrich Karl Brugmann, and Berthold Delbrück. It traces the evolution of the comparative method from its early stages to its more refined forms, emphasizing the collaborative and iterative nature of scientific progress in linguistics.
What are the chapter summaries provided in the preview?
The preview includes summaries for each chapter, providing a concise overview of the content. These summaries highlight the key concepts, arguments, and findings presented in each section of the study. The summaries offer a roadmap to the main points within each chapter, helping the reader to understand the flow and purpose of the research.
What are the key words associated with this study?
Key words include: Indo-European languages, comparative linguistics, Germanic languages, Slavic languages, English, Serbo-Croatian, historical linguistics, Proto-Indo-European, comparative method, morphology, phonology, and syntax.
What is the intended audience for this language preview?
The preview is intended for an academic audience interested in linguistics, particularly those focused on historical linguistics, comparative linguistics, and the Indo-European language family. The detailed nature of the content suggests a familiarity with linguistic terminology and concepts.
- Quote paper
- M.A. Tamara Olschewski (Author), 2000, Indo-European Linguistics - A study on the basic differences between a Germanic and and a Slavic language, exemplary presented on English and Serbo-Croatian, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/1612
