English Language A Historical Introduction

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.

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.

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.

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

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.