An Historical Study of English: Function, Form and Change

ISBN-13: 9780415132732 / Angielski / Miękka / 1996 / 244 str.

Jeremy Smith; J. J. Smith

Opis

Through his analysis of selected major developments in the history of English, Jeremy Smith argues that the history of the language can only be understood from a dynamic perspective. He proposes that internal linguistic mechanisms for language change cannot be meaningfully explained in isolation or without reference to external linguistic factors. The reader is provided with a synthesis of recent developments in English historical linguistics. Other features of the text include: a look at the theory and methodology of linguistic historiography; a consideration of the major changes in writing systems, pronunciation and grammar; examples of these changes, such as the standardization of spellings and accent and the origins of the Great Vowel Shift; and a focus on the origins of two non-standard varieties - 18th century Scots and 20th- century British Black English. This book should be useful reading for students of English Historical linguistics, as well a contribution to the field.

Recenzje

'In this book the dynamic and interactive nature of linguistic change is well documented ... throughout the book close analysis of data is sucessfully combined with sociolinguistic insights in a search for understanding of the mechanisms of change. The result is often an exciting synthesis and always a stimulating one.' - Language & Linguistics, Vol 2. No. 198

Spis treści

Part 1; Chapter 1 Introduction; Chapter 2 On evidence; Chapter 3 Linguistic evolution; Part 2; Chapter 4 Transmission I: change in writing-system; Chapter 5 Transmission II: sound-change; Chapter 6 Change in the lexicon; Chapter 7 Grammatical change; Part 3; Chapter 8 Two varieties in context; Chapter 9 Conclusion; Notes; Suggestions for further reading; References; Index;

O autorze

Jeremy Smith is Reader in English Language at the University of Glasgow.