The Emergence and Development of English
An Introduction

Presents a beginner's introduction to the history of the English language, incorporating complex systems, the scientific model behind human speech.

William A. Kretzschmar, Jr (Author)

9781108469982, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 25 October 2018

268 pages
25.3 x 17.8 x 1.7 cm, 0.7 kg

This textbook provides a step-by-step introduction to the history of the English language (HEL), offering a fresh perspective on the process of language change. Aimed at undergraduate students, The Emergence and Development of English is accessibly written, and contains a wealth of pedagogical tools, including chapter openers, key terms, chapter summaries, end-of-chapter exercises and suggestions for further reading. A central theme of the book is 'emergence', the key term from the study of complex systems, which describes how massive numbers of random verbal interactions give rise to regularities that 'emerge' without specific causes. This unique approach encourages readers to incorporate complex systems into the mainstream coverage of HEL. Additional resources include examples of language from each period, as well as appendices on terminology, online resources and audio samples.

Introduction
1. Popular English: what we think we know
2. Emergence
3. Indo-European
4. Origins of English
5. Old English
6. Early Middle English
7. Late Middle English
8. Early Modern English
9. Modern English
10. Contemporary English
11. Standard English
12. The future of English
Appendix 1. Terms and concepts for studying the English language: expression of words with sounds
Appendix 2. Terms and concepts for studying the English language: beyond expression to content
Appendix 3. Words in use: meaning and corpora.

Subject Areas: Historical & comparative linguistics [CFF], Linguistics [CF], Language: history & general works [CBX]