The first multi-volume reference work dedicated entirely to the field of diachronic linguistics The Wiley Blackwell Companion to Diachronic and Historical Linguistics is a state-of-the-art resource that explores the mechanisms underlying linguistic evolution. Bridging the gap between theoretical models and empirical research, this comprehensive work connects linguistics with allied disciplines such as psychology, anthropology, sociology, and biology, and provides an enriched understanding of how language interacts with human society and cognition. Contributions from more than 150 leading scholars cover an unparalleled range of key topics, from phonetics and syntax to semantics, pragmatics, and beyond. Spanning five volumes, the Companion combines cutting-edge theoretical perspectives with detailed case studies from a variety of language families, including underrepresented and non-verbal languages, such as sign languages. By examining the interaction of linguistic systems with societal and environmental factors, this landmark work offers a robust framework for investigating the dynamics of language variation and historical development. Synthesizing decades of groundbreaking research while paving the way for new discoveries, The Wiley Blackwell Companion to Diachronic and Historical Linguistics: Presents insights from diverse theoretical frameworks and methodologies in one comprehensive collection Features in-depth analyses of diverse languages and language families, including lesser-studied languages Explores the dynamics of language change within and across speakers, communities, and societies Highlights the role of computational tools and statistical methods in advancing diachronic research Establishes connections with related fields to foster interdisciplinary collaboration The Wiley Blackwell Companion to Diachronic and Historical Linguistics is ideal for advanced