An Introduction to Middle English

by Simon Horobin, Jeremy Smith

Overview

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 reviewMost 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

ISBN-13:	9780748614813
Publisher:	Edinburgh University Press
Publication date:	10/15/2002
Series:	Edinburgh Textbooks on the English Language
Pages:	192
Product dimensions:	5.43(w) x 8.50(h) x (d)

About the Author

Simon Horobin is Professor of English Language and Literature at the University of Oxford

Jeremy Smith is a Reader in the department of English Literature at the University of Glasgow.

Table of Contents

Preface; Abbreviations; 1. Introduction; 2. What did Middle English look like?; 3. Middle English in use; 4. Spelling and sounds; 5. The lexicon; 6. Grammar; 7. Looking forward; Bibliography; Appendix of texts; Discussion of the exercises.