The English Language
ISBN-13:
9780141003962
Veröffentl:
2002
Erscheinungsdatum:
28.03.2002
Seiten:
336
Autor:
David Crystal
Gewicht:
237 g
Format:
199x129x20 mm
Sprache:
Deutsch
Beschreibung:
This is the definitive survey of the English language - in all its forms. Crystal writes accessibly about the structure of the language, the uses of English throughout the world and finally he gives a brief history of English. The book has been fully revised and there is a fascinating new chapter on 'The effect of technology' on the English language. 'Illuminating guided tour of our common treasure by one of its most lucid and sensible professionals' The Times 'A splendid blend of erudition and entertainment' THES
This tour of the English language describes the common structures that unify the language, and outlines the major variations that separate the English of Britain from that of other parts of the world. It explores the "dialects" of chemists and the clergy, lawyers and truckers, poets and punsters.
The English language today - pidgins and creoles. Part 1 The structure of English: grammar - grammar and you; vocabulary - how large is your vocabulary?; pronunciation - received pronunciation; spelling - spelling reform. Part 2 The uses of English: language variety - trucker talk; English at play - sound symbolism; the effect of technology - texting; personal English - statistical laws. Part 3 The history of English: old English - casting the runes; middle English - the origins of modern standard English; early modern English - words then and now; English around the world - British and American English; English today - plain English; English tomorrow; appendices.
Definitive survey of English in all its global variations
Despite the astonishingly widespread use of English, each speaker makes it their own. Whenever we write or speak we give away a great deal about ourselves by our choices in pronunciation, dialect, vocabulary and grammar. This fascinating book explores the way the language has developed, and examines the factors that unify it and the variations that divide it both nationwide and worldwide.
Despite the astonishingly widespread use of English, each speaker makes it their own. Whenever we write or speak we give away a great deal about ourselves by our choices in pronunciation, dialect, vocabulary and grammar. This fascinating book explores the way the language has developed, and examines the factors that unify it and the variations that divide it both nationwide and worldwide.