Changing English

by David Graddol (Editor), Dick Leith (Editor), Joan Swann (Editor)

Changing English examines the history of English from its origins in the fifth century to the present day. It focuses on the radical changes that have taken place in the structure of English over a millennium and a half, detailing the influences of migration, colonialism and many other historical, social and cultural phenomena. Expert authors illustrate and analyze dialects, accents and the shifting styles of individual speakers as they respond to changing circumstances. The reader is introduced to many key debates relating to the English language, illustrated by specific examples of data in context.

Including key material retained from the earlier bestselling book, English: History, Diversity and Change, this new book has been thoroughly reorganised and updated with entirely new material. Changing English:

explains basic concepts, easily located through a comprehensive index

includes contributions by experts in the field, such as David Crystal, David Graddol, Dick Leith, Lynda Mugglestone and Joan Swann

contains a range of source material and commissioned readings to supplement chapters.

Changing English makes an essential contribution to the field of English language studies.

Genres: Nonfiction, School

304 pages, Paperback

First published November 28, 2006

Reviews

[Stevie Roach]

I read this as a layman interested in our language. I found it interesting in parts, dry in other parts, but overall an informative read. The authors are clearly "descriptionists" rather than "prescriptivists", meaning that they view change in language as a normal part of life and not as something to be held back or frozen. The book is written for those like me who are not linguists, although there is still some fairly technical language in parts.

[Jay]

I liked one chapter. Just the one.

This text lacks study of Standard American English.

[Julie S.]

History of the English Language class. More like a sociology of the English language.

[Ashley Marilynne Wong]

This book covers a wide range of topics that I've hoped to study.