The Use of Databases in Cross-Linguistic Studies

This book promotes the development of linguistic databases by describing a number of successful database projects, focusing especially on cross-linguistic and typological research.

It has become increasingly clear that ready access to knowledge about cross-linguistic variation is of great value to many types of linguistic research.

Such a systematic body of data is essential in order to gain a proper understanding of what is truly universal in language and what is determined by specific cultural settings.

Moreover, it is increasingly needed as a tool to systematically evaluate contrasting theoretical claims.

The book includes a chapter on general problems of using databases to handle language data and chapters on a number of individual projects. Note: This title was originally announced as including a CD-Rom with databases.

The CD-Rom, however, was replaced by a list of URLs within the book.

More information as well as links to the databases can also be found here.