A History of the English Language, Fifth Edition

Comprehensive and balanced, this classic exploration of the history of the English language combines internal linguistic history and external cultural history—from the Middle Ages to the present. Emphasis is on the political, social and cultural forces that affect language. Reflects the latest trends and statistics of the last ten years in a revised and updated chapter 1, English Present and Future. Provides a new section on Gender Issues and Linguistic Change in Chapter 10. Includes a thorough revision of Chapter 11, The English Language in America, including updated material on African American Vernacular English. Discusses Black English and varieties of English in Africa and Asia, as well as varieties in the United States, Australia, and Canada. Includes a map of American dialects. Provides examples of twentieth-century vocabulary. For multilingual readers or anyone who wishes to develop a well-rounded understanding of present-day English.

Comprehensive and balanced, this classic exploration of the history of the English language combines internal linguistic history and external cultural history-from the Middle Ages to the present. This market-leading text encourages readers to develop both an understanding of present-day English and an enlightened attitude toward questions affecting the language today.

• A thoroughly revised and updated Chapter 1, English Present and Future, reflecting the latest trends and statistics of the last ten years
• A new section in Chapter 10, Gender Issues and Linguistic Change, providing a balanced and current perspective on an important social topic
• Thorough revision of Chapter 11, The English Language in America, with updated material on African American Vernacular English

• An emphasis on the political, social, and cultural forces that affect language
• The use of traditional phonetic notation to help pronunciation
• A map of American dialects and examples of twentieth-century vocabulary demonstrating differences in American English and comparisons of current English to earlier versions