The Emergence and Development of American English (Paperback)

William A. Kretzschmar, Jr.

ISBN 10: 1009161237 / ISBN 13: 9781009161237

Published by Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2026

About this Item

Paperback. This book tells the fascinating story of American English, tracing its emergence in the colonial period through to the present day. Written by a leading scholar, and drawing on data from the Linguistic Atlas Project, it explores how and why American English differs from British English, how it has been standardized, and how the USA's global political power has influenced its prominent status around the world. Illustrated with copious examples of language in use, it also surveys the various dialects of American English, including African American English, and explores social and cultural variation between English and other languages spoken in the United States. Each chapter explains the relevant terms and concepts from linguistics, and provides computer-based exercises. The author also introduces the basics of complexity science, showing how complex systems shape development and change in American English. Authoritative yet accessible, it will be essential reading for researchers and students alike. Based on copious data from the Linguistic Atlas Project, this book tells the story of American English from a linguistic standpoint, illustrated with real-life examples of language in use. Authoritative yet accessible, it is essential reading for researchers and students of American English, English Historical Linguistics and World Englishes. This item is printed on demand. Shipping may be from our UK warehouse or from our Australian or US warehouses, depending on stock availability.

Seller Inventory # 9781009161237

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Emergence and Development of American English (Paperback)
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press, Cambridge
• Publication Date: 2026
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1009161237
• ISBN 13: 9781009161237
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: new

About this title

Synopsis

This book tells the fascinating story of American English, tracing its emergence in the colonial period through to the present day. Written by a leading scholar, and drawing on data from the Linguistic Atlas Project, it explores how and why American English differs from British English, how it has been standardized, and how the USA's global political power has influenced its prominent status around the world. Illustrated with copious examples of language in use, it also surveys the various dialects of American English, including African American English, and explores social and cultural variation between English and other languages spoken in the United States. Each chapter explains the relevant terms and concepts from linguistics, and provides computer-based exercises. The author also introduces the basics of complexity science, showing how complex systems shape development and change in American English. Authoritative yet accessible, it will be essential reading for researchers and students alike.

About the Author

William A. Kretzschmar, Jr. is the Harry and Jane Willson Professor in Humanities, University of Georgia. He edited the American Linguistic Atlas Project for thirty-four years, which led to his preparation of American pronunciations for the online Oxford English Dictionary.