From Old English to Standard English (Studies in English Language) - Softcover

Freeborn, Dennis

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0333691555 ISBN 13: 9780333691557

Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan, 1998

Synopsis

A visual volume which traces the development of the language from Old English, through Middle and Early Middle English to the establishment of Standard English in the 18th century. The core of the book is a series of nearly 200 historical texts, of which more than half are reproduced in facsimile, exemplifying the progressive changes in the language. The book is firmly based upon linguistic description, with commentaries forming a series of case studies which demonstrate the evidence for language change at every level - handwriting, spelling, punctuation, vocabulary, grammar and meaning.

About this title

Review

'This is in many respects a really excellent book. The range of coverage is impressive, there is a strong emphasis on primary sources, and the material is clearly explained and presented in a format which assumes no prior knowledge. The treatment of spelling and punctuation change is particularly good, and there are many interesting and useful activities.' - Carole Hough, University of Glasgow, UK

'This study is an excellent textbook not only for English majors but for linguistic students of other languages as well who can benefit highly from a comparative perspective and tracing patterns of developments that took place in
the English language. The activities offered at the end of each chapter are highly beneficial allowing readers to deepen their understanding of the contents of the chapters. The texts offer valuable explanation of the chronicles. It is
an in depth study of the evolving variations in language over time and an insightful analysis of the development of the English language.' - Zeinab Ibrahim, The American University in Cairo 

Review of the previous edition:

'This volume is so crammed with examples from across the centuries that it is a pleasure to browse through its pages.'  - The Guardian

About the Author

Dennis Freeborn was formerly Head of English Language and Linguistics at the University College of Ripon and York St. John.

Edition details

• Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
• Publication date: 1998
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0333691555
• ISBN 13: 9780333691557
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 504