A History of the English Language

JIA History of the English Language has long been considered the standard work on its subject. It is a comprehensive and balanced exploration of all aspects of the historical development of the English language from the Middle Ages to the present. The fourth edition has been extensively updated, rewritten and revised to take account of the most recent developments in linguistic scholarship. New features include: * A rewritten first chapter on the place of English in the world * Material on regional varieties of English, including Chicano English, Caribbean English and English in Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong * Thoroughly revised sections on Old and Middle English syntax * Updated bibliographies Throughout, the authors preserve a balance between what may jjjcalled internal linguistic history - sound and inflection - and external history - the political, social and cultural forces that have determined the course of the language at different periods. A History of the English Language is recommended to students, teachers and enthusiasts, whether native or non-native English speakers, throughout the world.