Title: A history of American English /
Authors: Dillard, J. L. 1924-
Publisher: Longman,
Year: 1992
Subjects: English language United States History
Abstract: "A History of American English provides for the first time a chronological, narrative account of the development of American English. Although it has attracted considerable attention in terms of the social and geographical distribution of the language, the historical implications and influences of American English have been surprisingly neglected. In this impressive and much-needed volume J.L. Dillard tracks the development of American English from its earliest origins through to the present day." "This comprehensive survey analyses the way in which American English has developed in a variety of forms, such as "standard", Black and pidgin, and sets this process firmly within its social contexts. It examines the mixing of British dialect groups in the early period; the coastal distribution of most of the English-speaking colonists until after the Revolutionary War; the close relationships with the West Indies; American imperialism; and the general importance of maritime contacts.^
Contents: 1. On the background of American English -- 2. Early diversity, levelling and rediversification -- 3. The development of Black English -- 4. The development of Southern -- 5. The early history of the Gulf Corridor -- 6. Westward, not without complication -- 7. Regionalization and de-regionalization -- 8. Deruralization: the small town, the city and the suburbs.