A Short History of the German Language (University Paperbacks)

Chambers, W.Walker and Wilkie, John R.

ISBN 10: 0416182208 / ISBN 13: 9780416182200

Published by Routledge, 1970

About this Item

Dispatched, from the UK, within 48 hours of ordering. This book is in good condition but will show signs of previous ownership. Please expect some creasing to the spine and/or minor damage to the cover.

Seller Inventory # CHL2354847

Bibliographic Details

• Title: A Short History of the German Language (University Paperbacks)
• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication Date: 1970
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0416182208
• ISBN 13: 9780416182200
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: Used; Good

About this title

Synopsis

This simple introduction to the history of the German language seeks to provide students who have some knowledge of modern German, but no knowledge either of its development or of linguistic theories, with a short account of the essential factors - chronological, geographical and linguistic - and their interrelation.The material is arranged in three parts. The first traces the history of the German language from its origins in Indo-European through the pre-documentary Germanic period and the Middle Ages to the present day. In the second part the development of the German vocabulary is described, including word formation, borrowing, and change in meaning; and the book concludes with a section on changes in sounds, grammatical forms, and syntax. Emphasis is placed on the development of the standard literary language in its historical and social context, while such topics as dialects and the relationship of German to other Germanic and European languages are treated very briefly as the need arises.The inclusion of maps, some specimen passages of German its early stages, suggestions for further reading after each chapter, and an extensive classified bibliography also contribute to making this a useful introduction to the subject and a reliable foundation for more advanced work.