Chaucer's Language

ISBN-13: 9780230293793 / Angielski / Miękka / 2012 / 240 str.

Simon Horobin

Opis

Assuming no previous linguistic knowledge, Simon Horobin introduces students to Chaucer's language and the importance of reading Chaucer in the original, rather than in a modern translation. This updated edition includes references to most recent scholarship, suggestions for future research and an extensive glossary with sample quotations.

Recenzje

'A well-written and informative book.' - Robert Boenig, Texas A&M University, USA
'The book is accessibly written and presented, but also maintains rigorous standards of scholarship, and is informed by the most recent research...This will be a valuable teaching and reference tool for courses on Chaucer, Middle English language and literature, and history of the English language, but is also of interest to the general reader.' - Medium Ævum

Spis treści

Preface Abbreviations Why Study Chaucer's Language? Writing in English What was Middle English? Spelling and Pronunciation Vocabulary Grammar Language and Style Discourse and Pragmatics ConclusionAppendix: Sample Texts Glossary of Linguistic Terms Bibliography Index.

O autorze

SIMON HOROBIN is Professor of English Language and Literature at the University of Oxford, UK, and a Fellow of Magdalen College. He is the author of An Introduction to Middle English and The Language of the Chaucer Tradition, which was awarded the English Association's Beatrice White Prize for outstanding scholarly work in the field of Medieval and Renaissance studies.

Blurb

The English language has changed dramatically over the past 500 years, making it increasingly difficult for students to read Chaucer's works. Assuming no previous linguistic knowledge or familiarity with Middle English, Simon Horobin introduces students to Chaucer's language and the importance of reading Chaucer in the original, rather than modern translation.

Chaucer's Language
- leads the reader gently through basic linguistic concepts with appropriate explanation
- highlights how Chaucer's English differs from present-day English, and the significance of this for interpreting and understanding his work
- provides close analysis and comparison with the writings of Chaucer's contemporaries to show how Chaucer drew on the variety of Middle English to achieve particular poetic effects
- includes sample texts, a glossary of linguistic terminology, a bibliography and suggestions for further reading to aid study.

Authoritative and easy-to-follow, this is an indispensable guide to understanding, appreciating and enjoying the language of Chaucer.