Title: The English language : a historical introduction /
Authors: Barber, Charles Laurence.; Beal, Joan C.; Shaw, Philip A.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press,
Year: 2009
Subjects: English language History; Historical linguistics.
Abstract: Where does today's English come from? This book by Charles Barber tells the story of the language from its remote ancestry to the present day. In response to demand from readers, a brand new chapter on late modern English has been added for this edition. Using dozens of familiar texts, including the English of King Alfred, Chaucer, Shakespeare and Addison, the book tells you everything you need to know about the English language, where it came from and where it's going to. This edition adds new material on English as a global language, and explains the differences between the main varieties of English around the world. Clear explanations of linguistic ideas and terms make it the ideal introduction for students on courses in English language and linguistics, and for all readers fascinated by language.
Contents: What is language? -- The flux of language -- The Indo-European languages -- The Germanic languages -- Old English -- Norsemen and Normans -- Middle English -- Early Modern English -- Later Modern English -- English as a world language -- English today and tomorrow.