The History of English: An Introduction

A History of English: Language Contact and Changeprovides a chronological analysis of the linguistic, social and cultural development of the English language from before its establishment in Britain around the year 350 to the present. Each chapter represents a new stage in the development of the language from Old English through Middle English to Modern Global English, all illustrated with a rich and diverse selection of primary texts showing changes in language resulting from contact, conquest and domination, and the expansion of English around the world. A History of English goes beyond the usual focus on English in the UK and the US to include the wider global course of the language during and following the Early Modern English period. This perspective therefore also includes a historical review of English in its pidgin and creole varieties and as a Native and/or Second Language in the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, and Australasia. Designed to be user-friendly,A History of Englishcontains: Chapter introductions and conclusions to assist study Over 80 textual examples demonstrating linguistic change accompanied by translations and/or glosses where appropriate Study questions on the social, cultural and linguistic background of the chapter topics Further reading from key texts to extend or deepen the focus Just under a hundred supporting figures, tables and maps to support and illuminate the text A 16-page colour plate section of exemplary texts, relevant artefacts, or examples of language usage including Germanic runes, the opening page of Beowulf, the New England Primer, and the Treaty of Waitangi An extensive glossary of linguistically relevant terms An index for easy access to the topics covered in the book A companion website supports the textbook and features: Links to supporting websites which enhance and explain material introduced in the book An extended view of some of the aspects of language development as well as synopses of material dealt with in more than one chapter Further sample texts including examples from Chaucer, eighteenth-century pamphlet literature, and twenty-first century novels Additional exercises to help users expand their insights and apply background knowledge Sample answers to study questions in the textbook An interactive timeline of important historical events and developments and interactive maps for each period A History of Englishis essential reading for any student of the English Language.

Stephan Gramley is Studiendirektor at Bielefeld University, Germany, in the Department of Linguistics and Literary Studies.