The Philosophic Grammar of American Languages, as Set Forth by Wilhelm von Humboldt / With the Translation of an Unpublished Memoir by Him on the American Verb

Name: The Philosophic Grammar of American Languages, as Set Forth by Wilhelm von Humboldt / With the Translation of an Unpublished Memoir by Him on the American Verb
Author: Daniel G. Brinton

By Daniel G. Brinton

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About This Book

A scholarly exposition presents Wilhelm von Humboldt’s philosophy of language applied to the indigenous languages of the Americas, pairing a systematic outline of grammatical theory with a translated unpublished memoir on verb morphology. It surveys definitions and psychological origins of language; primitive roots and grammatical categories; formal and material elements; processes of development; internal form and criteria of rank; incorporation and its psychological effects; and number phenomena such as the dual. The memoir classifies verbal forms by how the notion of being is expressed, analyzes Maya verb structure, treats separability and attachment of person, tense and mode markers, and concludes with translator’s notes on the languages discussed.

About the Author

Daniel G. Brinton

Daniel G. Brinton was an influential American anthropologist and linguist known for his extensive studies of Native American cultures and languages. His works often explored the intersection of anthropology, history, and literature, contributing significantly to the understanding of indigenous peoples in North America. Among his notable publications is "A Primer of Mayan Hieroglyphics," which reflects his interest in ancient languages and their cultural contexts. Brinton's scholarship also includes studies on folklore, mythology, and the literary history of the Floridian Peninsula, showcasing his diverse interests and expertise in the field of Americanist studies.