Beginning Old English

ISBN-13: 9780230301405 / Angielski / Miękka / 2013 / 308 str.

Carole Hough

Opis

This is a simple introduction to Old English for students with little linguistic knowledge. Unlike other textbooks, Beginning Old English focuses on the explanation of how the language works, using accessible illustrations from Old English texts and showing how features of present-day English have their roots in this stage of the language.

Spis treści

List of Illustrations Acknowledgements Preface PART I Origins Recognising Old English Words People and Things Place, Time, Manner and Reason Actions and Events Introducing Old English Poetry Translating Old English Poetry: Beowulf Introducing Old English Prose PART II Introduction Text A: Cynewulf and Cyneheard Text B: Beowulf, lines 710-836 Text C: The Battle of Maldon Text D: The Dream of the Rood Text E: The Ruin Text F: Ælfric's Life of St Æthelthryth Concluding Remarks Glossary of Technical Terms Appendix: Old English Paradigms Further Reading Index.

O autorze

Carole Hough is Professor of Onomastics at the University of Glasgow, UK. She has published extensively on Old English and related subjects, and is Vice-President of the International Society of Anglo-Saxonists.
 
John Corbett is Professor of English at the University of Macau. He has written widely on English and Scottish language and literature, and is Vice-President of the Association for Scottish Literary Studies.

Blurb

This basic introduction to Old English is an essential guide for students with little or no linguistic knowledge. Unlike other textbooks on the subject, Beginning Old English focuses on the explanation and demonstration of how the language works, using accessible illustrations from simplified Old English texts and showing how many features of present-day English have their roots in this stage of the language.

Beginning Old English
- builds up reading skills by using simple texts to support the acquisition of key vocabulary and to develop awareness of language structure
- offers an introduction to the conventions of Old English poetry and how they are realised across different genres: religious verse, riddles, elegies and heroic poetry
- explores issues in the translation of Old English verse
- guides the reader through four major texts: Cynewulf and Cyneheard, Beowulf (extract), The Battle of Maldon and The Dream of the Rood
- features activities, glossaries, illustrations and a Further Reading section.

Concise and approachable, this invaluable text will appeal to anyone with an interest in the early history of English language and literature.