The course aims at discussing the development of English throughout the centuries with an emphasis on linguistic phenomena of language change and language contact and due consideration given to the social factors that influenced English in different historical periods.
“The history of English from a sociolinguistic perspective”
The following historical periods will be considered:
-Old English
-Middle English
-Early Modern English
-Modern English
For each of these periods, we will discuss aspects related to: the social, cultural and political history, linguistic developments, dialectal variation, linguistic and literary achievements.
Readings:
Barbara Fennell. 2001. A History of English. A Sociolinguistic Approach. Oxford: Blackwell (chs.1, 3, 4, 5, 6).
Gerry Knowles. 1997. A Cultural History of the English Language. London: Routledge.
The course will be held in English.
Oral exam.
Lungadige Porta Vittoria, 41 37129 Verona
VAT number
01541040232
Italian Fiscal Code
93009870234
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