The English Language in Ireland - Einzelansicht

This course considers Irish English, also known as Hiberno-English. English was first introduced to Ireland in the twelfth century and then again in the seventeenth century, making Irish English the oldest form of colonial English. Irish, the language of Ireland since earliest times, was replaced by English as the language of the majority in the nineteenth century. The characteristic Irish accents and lexis reflect earlier English as well as the influence of Irish.

This course will describe the current linguistic situation in Ireland, in particular recent developments. It will also consider the historical development of Irish English and the influences in its development, in particular those of Irish. We will also look at the decline of Irish, the language of the majority population at the start of the nineteenth century but now confined more or less to pockets along the western seaboard.

It is recommended that students taking this course have already attended the two-semester introductory modules 'Introduction to Synchronic Linguistics' and the lecture series 'Introduction to the History of English'.

Course material will be posted on Moodle.

Final written examination