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Original Essays | November 5, 2009

John Buntin: IMG Notes from the (Bibliographic) Underground

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For more than 60 years, Los Angeles's origins, its underbelly, and (yes) its blondes have fueled the imagination of writers and directors from... Continue »
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    L.A. Noir: The Struggle for the Soul of America's Most Seductive City

    John Buntin

The English Language: a Historical Introduction

by Charles Barber

The English Language: a Historical Introduction Cover

ISBN13: 9780521785709
ISBN10: 0521785707
Condition: Standard
All Product Details

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Synopses & Reviews

Publisher Comments:

Where does today's English come from? This book describes the nature of language and language change, and presents a history of the English language from prehistory to the present day, dealing with key topics such as grammar, pronunciation and semantics. The main theoretical and technical concepts of historical linguistics are also explained. Charles Barber uses familiar texts, including the English of King Alfred, Chaucer, Shakespeare, and Addison, to illustrate the state of the English language through time. This is a fascinating book for anyone with an interest in language.

Synopsis:

An introduction to the history of the English language, ranging from prehistory to the present day.

Synopsis:

A clear and fascinating introduction to the history of the English language from its prehistoric origins to the present day. Numerous short passages - including the English of King Alfred, Chaucer, Shakespeare, and Addison - are used to illustrate the state of the English language in different periods and contexts.

Synopsis:

This introductory textbook covers the history of the English language from its Indo-European origins to the present day. It provides substantial information about the English language at different periods, introducing the main theoretical and technical concepts of historical linguistics. Chapters on the nature of language and on language change are followed by a full chronological survey. Topics include vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, attitudes to language, and English as a world language. Short passages of English from different periods are used as illustration throughout.

Synopsis:

The English

Synopsis:

'\'A textbook survey of the English language, introducing the theoretical and technical concepts of historical linguistics.\''
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Table of Contents

List of figures; Preface; 1. What is language?; 2. The flux of language; 3. The Indo-European languages; 4. The Germanic languages; 5. Old English; 6. Norsemen and Normans; 7. Middle English; 8. Early Modern English; 9. English in the scientific age; 10. English as a world language; 11. English today and tomorrow; Notes and suggestions for further reading; Bibliography; Index.

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Product Details

ISBN:
9780521785709
Author:
Barber, Charles
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press
Author:
Aitchison, Jean
Location:
Cambridge
Subject:
English language
Subject:
History
Subject:
Linguistics
Subject:
Historical linguistics
Subject:
English language -- History.
Subject:
General Language Arts & Disciplines
Edition Number:
1
Edition Description:
Paperback
Series:
Canto
Series Volume:
939
Publication Date:
May 2000
Binding:
Paperback
Grade Level:
General/trade
Language:
English
Illustrations:
Y
Pages:
312
Dimensions:
8.40x5.42x.64 in. .84 lbs.
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