Title: Broken English
First published: 1996
Description: The English language in the Renaissance was in many ways a collection of competing Englishes. Paula Blank investigates the representation of alternative vernaculars - the dialects of early modern English - in both linguistic and literary works of the period. Blank argues that Renaissance authors such as Spenser, Shakespeare and Jonson helped to construct the idea of a national language, variously known as 'true' English or 'pure' English or the 'King's English', by distinguishing its dialects - and sometimes by creating those dialects themselves.  Broken English reveals how the Renaissance 'invention' of dialect forged modern alliances of language and cultural authority.This book will be of interest to scholars and students of Renaissance studies and Renaissance English literature. It will also make fascinating reading for anyone with an interest in the history of English language.
Subjects: Dialect literature, English, English Dialect literature, English language, English literature, History, History and criticism, Language Arts, Language and culture, Language and languages, Literary Criticism, Nonfiction, Political aspects, Political aspects of Language and languages, Renaissance, Variation, English language, early modern, 1500-1700, English literature, history and criticism, early modern, 1500-1700, Language and languages, political aspects, Renaissance, england, English language, variation, Anglais (Langue), Langage et langues, Aspect politique, Histoire, Littérature dialectale anglaise, Histoire et critique, Langage et culture, European, English, Irish, Scottish, Welsh, Early modern
Places: England
Time periods: 16th century, 17th century, Early modern, 1500-1700
LC classification: PE1081 .B57 1996