Development and Variation of the English Language - Einzelansicht

The course offers an introduction to the history of the English language and its varieties from its origins to the present day. It explores the linguistic roots of English, the changes in pronunciation and grammar, as well as the enormous expansion in vocabulary. We will also consider the different varieties of English in the past and today. The changes in the language will be related to important historical events affecting the English speaking world.

Chapters from the following books will be provided on moodle:

Algeo, J. & Pyles, T. (2004) The Origins and Development of the English Language. 5th edition, Thomson Wadsworth
Barber, C., Beal, J. C. and Shaw, P. A. (2009) The English Language: A Historical Introduction. 2nd ed. Cambridge UP
Baugh, Albert C. and Thomas Cable. 2013. 6th ed. A History of the English Language. London and New York: Routledge.
Kohnen, T. (2014) Introduction to the History of English. Frankfurt/M. etc.: Peter Lang.

Final Written Test (90 minutes), not graded