Product Description

An Introduction to Middle English is designed to provide undergraduate students of English historical linguistics with a concise description of the language during the period 1100-1500. Middle English, the language of Chaucer, is discussed in relation to both earlier and later stages in the history of English, and in relation to other languages with which it came into contact. Features: * the historical and geographical contexts of Middle English * the evidence for Middle English * the principal features of Middle English spelling, pronunciation, grammar and vocabulary * an introduction to Middle English textual studies * selected Middle English texts, both literary and non-literary * notes, glossaries and annotated bibliographies * questions for review Most other introductory books on Middle English focus on literary rather than linguistic matters; this book is designed to redress the balance, by providing students of English language with an up-to-date, authoritative survey which takes account of recent trends in historical linguistics.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #216151 in Books
• Published on: 2002-12-02
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 192 pages

Customer Reviews

Needs no introduction......
I referred to this book during revision for my English Language exam at Glasgow Univeristy, where both Professor Smith and Dr Horobin lecture and tutor and i found the book a fascinating read. Crucially, the book is written very well, with nice interludes of interesting facts, and is not 'bogged down' by too much theory. With this in mind, 'An Introduction to Middle English' is not only a useful study aid it is basically a good read and provides the reader with some excellent pieces of historical and linguistic information to impress people with at formal events!