This course will provide an introductory survey of the development of the English language from the beginnings to the present day. Topics covered will include: the development of standard English, the relationship between written and spoken language, ideas of ‘purity’ in language, the nature of ‘literary’ language, language and power. The influence on language of historical events such as conquest and colonization will be discussed, as will the influence of conscious language-shaping activities such as the writing of dictionaries, and the power of cultural icons such as the King James Bible and the works of Shakespeare.
ASSESSMENT WILL BE BY EXAMINATION IN THE LAST LECTURE OF THE SEMESTER (DECEMBER 19TH)
- Docente: Elisabeth Dutton