The History of English: A Student's Guide

by Ishtla Singh

The History of English provides an accessible introduction to the changes that English has undergone from its Indo-European beginnings to the present day. The text looks at the major periods in the history of English, and provides for each a socio-historical context, an overview of the relevant major linguistic changes, and also focuses on an area of current research interest, either in sociolinguistics or in literary studies. Exercises and activities that allow the reader to get 'hands-on' with different stages of the language, as well as with the concepts of language change, are also included.



By explaining language change with close reference to literary and other textual examples and emphasising the integral link between a language and its society, this text is especially useful for students of literature as well as linguistics.

Genres: Linguistics, History

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[€l!na]

There are times that I really hate my major!!

[Sadia Mansoor]

The history of how English Language was made..

Book is here http://npu.edu.ua/!e-book/book/djvu/A...

[Snapshots of a bookish lass]

Great introduction to the topic. It first introduces the different types of change: pronunciation, lexical, semantic, morphological and syntactic. Then it explores Old English, Middle English, Early Modern English and Modern English.
Each of these chapters is divided into historical and sociological issues, literature, and linguistic changes. It includes tons of examples and a closing section in each chapter with study questions.
Even if you've never studied the topic before, it will be easy to follow. It was my first foray into old English and middle English and I could follow it perfectly and I kinda had fun. It's entertaining if you like linguistics.

[Cordellya Smith]

This is a good book on the History of English for those especially interested in syntax change.