How Long to Read Change, Chance, and Optimality

How Long Does it Take to Read Change, Chance, and Optimality?

It takes the average reader 3 hours and 21 minutes to read Change, Chance, and Optimality by April M. S. McMahon

Assuming a reading speed of 250 words per minute. Learn more

Description

'This formidable critique of Optimality Theory (OT) should be required reading for all graduate students in linguistics. Phonologists of every stripe - synchronic and diachronic, regardless of the theories in which they work - ignore it at their peril. Anyone with even a passing interest in linguistic theory would also be well advised to read it, because its implications reach well beyond phonology to involve current hypotheses about the nature and evolution of human language... this volume should solidfy McMahon's reputation as one of the most insightful linguistic theorists currently writing.' -General Linguistics'A critical contribution to the debate on how Optimality Theory accounts (or cannot account) for historical change... a hard and prolonged look at the claims and practices of OT.' -Years Work in English Studies'A stunning book, elegantly argued and deftly written. A major theoretical critique, confronting Optimality Theory and other formalist innatist paradigms with the realities of evolutionary biology and neuroscience. One of the most important and sophisticated works in phonological theory of the past couple of decades.' -Roger Lass, University of Cape TownThis book is about how languages change. It is also a devastating critique of Optimality Theory-the dominant theory in contemporary phonology and increasingly influential throughout linguistics. The author sets out its basis principles and shows it to be incapable of explaining either language change or variation. OT relies on the innateness of certain human language faculties and therefore needs to explain the origins of allegedly genetically-specified features. Professor McMahon considers the nature and evolution of the human language capacity, and reveals a profound mismatch between the predictions of evolutionary biology and the claims for innateness made in OT. She argues further that any convincing theory of linguistic change must take account of the roles of history and chance.

How long is Change, Chance, and Optimality?

Change, Chance, and Optimality by April M. S. McMahon is 201 pages long, and a total of 50,451 words.

This makes it 68% the length of the average book. It also has 62% more words than the average book.

How Long Does it Take to Read Change, Chance, and Optimality Aloud?

The average oral reading speed is 183 words per minute. This means it takes 4 hours and 35 minutes to read Change, Chance, and Optimality aloud.

What Reading Level is Change, Chance, and Optimality?

Change, Chance, and Optimality is suitable for students ages 12 and up.

Note that there may be other factors that effect this rating besides length that are not factored in on this page. This may include things like complex language or sensitive topics not suitable for students of certain ages.

When deciding what to show young students always use your best judgement and consult a professional.

Where Can I Buy Change, Chance, and Optimality?

Change, Chance, and Optimality by April M. S. McMahon is sold by several retailers and bookshops. However, Read Time works with Amazon to provide an easier way to purchase books.

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