ABSTRACT

Whilst maintaining the accessibility for the beginner, the level of this second edition has been raised by the addition of much more detail, a greater focus on theories and controversies, and a clearer route to key works in the field. History of English:

  • examines the history of the English language in order to explain the English that is used today
  • introduces key linguistic concepts 
  •  provides 'discussion points' to generate debate 
  •  involves readers in collecting and analyzing their own data
  •  contains a 'mini-corpus' of texts, used for exercises and to illustrate points raised in the commentary.

Revised throughout, this updated edition contains a new internet resource section and an updated further reading section, to help readers take their study further.

chapter 1|9 pages

The birth of English: clues in placenames

chapter 2|8 pages

INVESTIGATING CHANGE IN ENGLISH

chapter 3|11 pages

SPELLINGS AND SPEECH SOUNDS

chapter 4|7 pages

BORROWING WORDS

chapter 5|8 pages

NEW WORDS FROM OLD

chapter 6|7 pages

CHANGING MEANINGS

chapter 7|8 pages

Grammar I: nouns

chapter 8|7 pages

Grammar II: verbs

chapter 9|9 pages

DIALECTS IN BRITISH ENGLISH

chapter 10|7 pages

STANDARDISATION

chapter 11|7 pages

WORLD ENGLISHES