Typology and Its Theoretical Framework for the Comparative and/or Contrastive Study of Languages

Typology is a branch of linguistics developing rapidly. It started with the typological classification of languages, took in the study of linguistic patterns across languages, and expanded to functional-typological approach to linguistic theory, all of which are closely related to language comparison (and/or contrast). It is based on a well-selected linguistic sample that cannot be established without traditional comparative linguistics. It aims at the study of the universals of human languages in a deliberate method with cross-linguistic comparison as the essential characteristic, but needs to reform some concepts, research strategy, and the internal relationship between its various components. It allows the comparative study of our national language and a foreign language under a unique theoretical framework, which not only helps with the understanding of human languages in general, but also adds to the reassessing of our national language.