Sound Change and the History of English

by Jeremy J. Smith

Overview

This book addresses the question: why do sound changes happen, when and where they do? Jeremy Smith discusses the origins of a series of sound changes in English. He relates his arguments to larger questions about the nature of explanation in history and historical linguistics, and examines the interplay between sound change and social change. Drawing on the latest research in linguistics and history he shows how insights in one field illuminate the other.

After the opening chapter describing the book's approach and a general theoretical framework for the study of sound-change, the author discusses problems of evidence and considers the nature of phonological processes. He then presents detailed investigations of major sound-changes from three transitional periods: first, when English emerged as a language distinct from the other West Germanic varieties; secondly, during the transition from Old to Middle English; and thirdly during the time when Middle English evolved into Early Modern English.

The book is written with minimal use of jargon and offers clear definitions of complex notions. It will appeal to all serious students of English historical linguistics, from advanced undergraduate to researcher.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780199563319
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	07/15/2009
Pages:	214
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Jeremy Smith is Professor of English Philology in the University of Glasgow. His publications include Essentials of Early English (second edition, 2005), An Introduction to Middle English (with Simon Horobin, 2002), and An Historical Study of English (1996). He is a contributor to The Oxford History of English edited by Lynda Mugglestone (2006).

Table of Contents

1. On Explaining Sound Change2. On Evidence3. Phonological Approaches and Processes4. From Pre-English to Old English5. From Old to Middle English6. From Middle to Early Modern English7. On the Historiography of Sound ChangeAppendixSuggestions for Further ReadingReferencesIndex

Editorial Reviews

"Smith here updates and substantially expands the treatment of langauge change he articulated in A Historical Study of English. This title has a broad focus and considers sound changes in Old English, Middle English, and modern English. This authoritative and accessible book should become a major resource for those interested in language. Recommended." —Choice

From the Publisher