The Cambridge History of the English Language

This volume deals with the history of the English language from 1776 to 1997.

Suzanne Romaine (Edited by)

9780521264778, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 28 January 1999

810 pages, 18 tables
23.6 x 16 x 4.7 cm, 1.203 kg

"...nearly all of the material is quite clearly presented, well analyzed, and brings out aspects of English...that could easily be overlooked since the language has not changed nearly as much in the current period as it did in the previous seven hundred years." Notes on Linguistics

This volume deals with the history of the English language from 1776 to 1997. An extensive introduction details the changing socio-historical setting in which English has developed in response to a continuing background of diversity as it was transplanted to North America and beyond. Separate chapters on phonology, syntax, and vocabulary chronicle the linguistic features of the language during this period, taking as the basis for discussion the common core inherited from the sixteenth century and shared by what are now the two principal varieties, American and British English. In addition, there are chapters on English as a literary language, English grammar and usage, and onomastics. A separate volume on North American English is in preparation.

1. Introduction Suzanne Romaine
2. Vocabulary John Algeo
3. Syntax David Denison
4. Onomastics Richard Coates
5. Phonology Michael K. C. MacMahon
6. English grammar and usage Edward Finegan
7. Literary language Sylvia Adamson
Glossary of linguistic terms
Bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: Historical & comparative linguistics [CFF]