New book examines Endzelīns' monumental works in Baltic linguistics
Linguist Sarma Kļaviņa has published a book analyzing four major works by Jānis Endzelīns, their creation and historical significance.
Sarma Kļaviņa, a researcher of Latvian language and linguistics history, has released a new study dedicated to the prominent linguist Jānis Endzelīns. The book focuses on four of his key works: "Lettische Grammatik" (Latvian Grammar), "Latviešu valodas vārdnīca" (Dictionary of the Latvian Language), "Senprūšu valoda" (Old Prussian Language), and "Baltu valodu skaņas un formas" (Sounds and Forms of Baltic Languages). Kļaviņa examines the creation of these works and their subsequent fate.
The introduction provides an overview of the origins and development of Indo-European comparative historical linguistics in the 19th century, starting with the work of Franz Bopp and Rasmus Rask. It also outlines the contributions of early Baltic language describers August Schleicher and August Bielenstein, as well as scholars important to Endzelīns—Filipp Fortunatov and Adalbert Bezzenberger.
This book complements the author's previous publications on Endzelīns and his predecessors and collaborators, offering a valuable contribution to the history of Latvian linguistics.
