The English Language: A Historical introduction (Canto) [Paperback]

Charles Barber (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 8, 2000 | ISBN-10: 0521785707 | ISBN-13: 978-0521785709

Where does today's English come from? This book describes the nature of language and language change, and presents a history of the English language from prehistory to the present day, dealing with key topics such as grammar, pronunciation and semantics. The main theoretical and technical concepts of historical linguistics are also explained. Charles Barber uses familiar texts, including the English of King Alfred, Chaucer, Shakespeare, and Addison, to illustrate the state of the English language through time. This is a fascinating book for anyone with an interest in language.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'... a sound and comprehensive account of the development of English, its place in the world today and its possible future.' English Studies

'A clear, readable introduction to language ... the layers of vocabulary are dealt with brilliantly ...'. Good Book Guide

Book Description

Where does today's English come from? This book describes the nature of language and language change, and presents a history of the English language from prehistory to the present day, dealing with key topics such as grammar, pronunciation and semantics. The main theoretical and technical concepts of historical linguistics are also explained. Charles Barber uses familiar texts, including the English of King Alfred, Chaucer, Shakespeare, and Addison, to illustrate the state of the English language through time. This is a fascinating book for anyone with an interest in language.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 312 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (May 8, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521785707
• ISBN-13: 978-0521785709
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #333,713 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An excellent, if heavily technical, layman's guide, December 8, 2000

By 

Jim (Santa Clara, CA, United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The English Language: A Historical introduction (Canto) (Paperback)

This book is an excellent introduction to the history of the English language. As the other reviewers have noted, it's a bit top-heavy on technical linguistics, and therefore may not be suitable to everyone. But if you don't mind reading a book which could also be used as a 400-level college textbook... I think this book would appeal to any who have an interest in linguistics in general and the history on English in particular - especially if you've read other, lighter books on the topic already and you're ready to get seriously into the topic.

I fit the above category, and I loved this book. Probably the best I've read on the subject so far.

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great introduction to history of english language, August 30, 2000

By 

cole (Cape Cod, MA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The English Language: A Historical introduction (Canto) (Paperback)

My interest in linguistics began when my latin teacher began talk about past forms of english in class. I was looking through the book store to find more about what he was talking about. Many of the titles looked either too thick or too long. then i came across this title. It was thin and supposedly for beginners like me. I thought i would give it a try and purchased it. When i got home i immediatly began to read. It was getting dark by the time i put it down. I am an avid fan of fiction, and only read non fiction for the information. I usually find it boring, yet informative and long to be finished with it. But this book i found was very interesting as well as informative and i could not put it down. It introduces you first to the various symbols used to show different sound and then wastes no time plunging you right into the beginnings of the language through old, middle, and early modern english. It was easy to follow as long as you had the symbols memorized and gave a brief history of the times when the languge was at certain stages. I finished it quickly and understood most of the stuff i read. Now i feel i can step up to the next level and read some of the more complex books. This book was a good foundation for my interest in linguistics and i found no fault in it.

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Informative good read, November 21, 2001

By 

K. Johnson (US/Asia) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The English Language: A Historical introduction (Canto) (Paperback)

If someone is interested in learning the origins, history, and development of the English language, then he or she will gain a lot from this book. There are many technical aspects included. It's also enjoyable. Many applied linguistic terms and areas are covered. From English's relationship to Sanskrit and other languages, to the great vowel shift explaining why English often doesn't sound the way it's spelled--difficult and illogical for students learning the language. The author went into depth about such topics as the culture of the Germanic tribes and how demographics influenced the development of the English language the way it did. The Scandinavians, French, and many others have loaded the language with with many loans words. It's a good informative read.