A Social History of English
2nd Edition
Published on 5. June 1997
Book
Paperback/Softback
312 pages
978-0-415-09797-0 (ISBN)
Description
A Social History of English is the first history of the English language to utilize the techniques, insights and concerns of sociolinguistics. Written in a non-technical way, it takes into account standardization, pidginization, bi- and multilingualism, the issues of language maintenance and language loyalty, and linguistic variation.
This new edition has been fully revised. Additions include: * new material about 'New Englishes' across the world
* a new chapter entitled 'A Critical Linguistic History of English Texts'
* a discussion of problems involved in writing a history of English
All terms and concepts are explained as they are introduced, and linguistic examples are chosen for their accessibility and intelligibility to the general reader.
It will be of interest to students of Sociolinguistics, English Language, History and Cultural Studies.
This new edition has been fully revised. Additions include: * new material about 'New Englishes' across the world
* a new chapter entitled 'A Critical Linguistic History of English Texts'
* a discussion of problems involved in writing a history of English
All terms and concepts are explained as they are introduced, and linguistic examples are chosen for their accessibility and intelligibility to the general reader.
It will be of interest to students of Sociolinguistics, English Language, History and Cultural Studies.
Reviews / Votes
'A fascinating account ... Leith assumes no technical linguistic knowledge on the part of the reader and his book will be accessible and valuable not only to students of sociolinguistics but also to those interested in language from the perspectives of literature, history or cultural studies.' - Spoken English'Leith's book is very learned, forgiving and clear-headed.' - Nicholas Lezard, The Guardian
This book is at once erudite, accessible and engaging ... Throughout the book he emphasizes the variability and vitality of the language throughout the ages ... I would strongly recommend Leith's book for the general reader, and, for those interested in language.' - The British Journal of General Practice
More details
Edition
2nd edition
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Undergraduate
Dimensions
Height: 216 mm
Width: 140 mm
Thickness: 17 mm
Weight
395 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-415-09797-0 (9780415097970)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Dick Leith
A Social History of English
E-Book
08/2005
2nd Edition
Routledge
€63.49
Available for download
Dick Leith
A Social History of English
E-Book
08/2005
2nd Edition
Routledge
€63.49
Available for download
Dick Leith
A Social History of English
Book
06/1997
2nd Edition
Routledge
€206.40
Shipment within 15-20 days
Person
Mr Dick Leith, Dick Leith
Content
Introduction Part I Emergence and consolidation 1 Languages in contact 2 Standardisation and writing Part II Changing patterns of usage 3 Words and meanings 4 Grammar 5 Pronunciation Part III Imposition and spread 6 The imposition of English in the British Isles 7 English as an international language Part IV Evidence, interpretation and theory 8 A critical linguistic history of English texts