The Cambridge History of the English Language

This volume traces the history of English in North America during the past 400 years.

John Algeo (Edited by)

9780521264792, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 7 February 2001

664 pages
22.9 x 3.7 x 15.2 cm, 1.01 kg

'A work on language as a manifestation of cultures and their changes, English in North America is a magisterial achievement, and a fitting completion of The Cambridge History of the English Language.' Amerikastudien

Volume VI of The Cambridge History of the English Language traces the history of English in North America from its British background to its present position among the varieties of English used around the globe. The influences that have formed American English include the political, social, and cultural changes in American life, contact with other languages in North America, and continuing immigration from the British Isles and around the globe. In this book, sixteen leading authorities in the field consider how the vocabulary (both standard and slang), grammar, spelling, and usage in both the standard language and regional and social dialects have evolved in response to these influences, and examine the relationship of and interaction between British and American English. Separate chapters deal with African-American English, Canadian English and Newfoundland English and the volume also includes suggestions for further reading, a glossary of linguistic terms, and an extensive bibliography.

1. External history John Algeo
2. British and American, continuity and divergence John Hurt Fisher
3. British and Irish antecedents Michael Montgomery
4. Contact with other languages Suzanne Romaine
5. Americanisms Frederic G. Cassidy and Joan H. Hall
6. Slang Jonathan Lighter
7. Dialects Lee Pederson
8. African-American English Salikoko Mufwene
9. Grammatical structure Ronald R. Butters
10. Spelling Richard Venezky
11. Usage Edward Finegan
12. Canadian English Laurel J. Brinton and Margery Fee
13. Newfoundland English William Kirwin
14. American English abroad Richard Bailey.

Subject Areas: Historical & comparative linguistics [CFF]