Editing Historical linguistics (section)

== Morphology and syntax ==
{{See also|Grammaticalization}}
[[Morphology (linguistics)|Morphology]] is the study of patterns of word-formation within a language. It attempts to formulate rules that model the knowledge of speakers. In the context of historical linguistics, formal means of expression change over time. Words as units in the lexicon are the subject matter of [[lexicology]]. Along with [[clitics]], words are generally accepted to be the smallest units of [[syntax]]; however, it is clear in most languages that words may be related to one another by rules. These rules are understood by the speaker, and reflect specific patterns in how word formation interacts with speech. In the context of historical linguistics, the means of expression change over time.

Syntax is the study of the principles and rules for constructing [[Sentence (linguistics)|sentences]] in [[natural language]]s. Syntax directly concerns the rules and principles that govern sentence structure in individual languages. Researchers attempt to describe languages in terms of these rules. Many historical linguistics attempt to compare changes in sentence between related languages, or find [[universal grammar]] rules that natural languages follow regardless of when and where they are spoken.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Luuk |first1=Erkki |title=International Encyclopedia of the Social & Behavioral Sciences |chapter=Syntax–Semantics Interface |chapter-url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/304194021 |website=Research Gate |publisher=International Encyclopedia of the Social & Behavioral Sciences |access-date=June 30, 2024 |doi=10.1016/B978-0-08-097086-8.57035-4 |date=December 2015|pages=900–905 |isbn=978-0-08-097087-5 }}</ref>