A Diachronic Perspective on Modern English - Einzelansicht

In this course we shall look for the sources and causes of particular phenomena in the Modern English language system and language use. Thus, we will try to find answers to questions such as “Why is there mismatch between spelling and pronunciation?”, “Where do the irregular verbs originate?”, “Why do we have to use auxiliaries to form questions and negative statements in English?”, “Why do some people say sentences like I don’t know nothing?, although in grammar books, they are considered ungrammatical?”. Such questions can only be answered with a view on the diachronic development of English. Therefore a prior knowledge of Old- and Middle English might be advantageous. In the first session, we will collect topics that students are most interested in. The following seminars will include students presentations and class discussions.

will be made available on moodle

MT LinK + MT KoVaMe + ML Testat: regular active participation + oral presentation
MT FSL + ML Prüfung: oral exam: 30 m