Routledge Language Workbooks provide absolute beginners with practical introductions to core areas of language study. Books in the series provide comprehensive coverage of the area as well as a basis for further investigation. Each Language Workbook guides the reader through the subject using ‘hands-on’ language analysis, equipping them with the basic analytical skills needed to handle a wide range of data. Written in a clear and simple style, with all technical concepts fully explained, Language Workbooks can be used for independent study or as part of a taught class.
History of English:
• examines the history of the English language in order to explain the English that is used today
• introduces key linguistic concepts
• provides ‘discussion points’ to generate debate
• encourages readers to think critically about the subject
• involves readers in collecting and analysing their own data
• contains a ‘mini-corpus’ of texts, used for exercises and to illustrate points raised in the commentary
Revised throughout, this updated edition integrates the latest research on the history of English, including an additional chapter on English letters and punctuation, and an updated bibliography. History of English, 3rd edition provides an essential introduction and workbook for students coming to this subject for the first time.
Acknowledgements
Using this book
1 The birth of English: clues in placenames
2 Investigating change in English
3 Marks on the page: letters and punctuation
4 Spellings and speech sounds
5 Borrowing words
6 New words from old
7 Changing meanings
8 Grammar I: nouns and inflections
9 Grammar II: verbs, inflections and word-order
10 Dialects in England
11 Standardisation
12 World Englishes
Appendix
Index
Biography
Jonathan Culpeper is a professor in the Department of Linguistics and English Language at Lancaster University.
History of English continues to be a great resource for students and teachers alike. This third edition provides even more ideas for discussion and further study, and the new chapter on letters and punctuation adds another valuable dimension. If any workbook can make this slightly daunting subject accessible, this one certainly can.
Kim Ballard, formerly Chief Examiner for A level English Language and Head of English at Esher College, UK.This course book is a great introduction to the field and an invaluable resource for both students and teachers. Written in a clear and accessible style, it stimulates discussion and encourages students to carry out empirical research.
Anita Auer, University of Lausanne, Switzerland
