The Development of Word Order Patterns in Old English

by Marian C. Bean

Overview

First published in 1983, The Development of Word Order Patterns in Old English tests theories of word order change using data on change in Old English. This data is drawn from various sources, the primary one being the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, and from the work of other scholars in Old English and historical linguistics.   

After an introductory chapter, background information on word order typology, theories of word order change, and on research on the order of Proto-Indo-European and the Germanic languages is presented. The core of the author’s own analysis reveals that the data does not conform to the predictions of various theories of word order and thus challenges many accepted views on the stages English has passed through on its way to Subject-Verb-Complement order. It is the ideas of linguists such a Sapir which are supported strongly in this book which itself represents a major new study for those working in Old English or historical linguistics.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781041240938
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	02/27/2026
Series:	Routledge Revivals
Pages:	150
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

About the Author

Marian C. Bean (1949–2023) retired in 2004 as Associate Professor Emerita of English from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA. She received her Ph.D. in linguistics from UCLA in 1976 with a dissertation on the development of word order in Old English. She joined UW-Madison in 1976 as an assistant professor in the English Department, where she taught classes on the history of English, English dialects, and linguistics for teachers. Students praised her as a caring teacher who always took the time to discuss their work with them. Outside of the university, Marian Bean was a passionate advocate for animal rights and an engaged member of community organizations.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction 2. Natural word order types and natural word order changes 3. Backgrounds and relatives of Old English 4. Clause and word order types 5. Word order patterns in conjunct, relative and subordinate clauses 6. Further studies in Old English word order 7. Conclusions   

Editorial Reviews

Reviews of the first publication:

‘…it makes worthwhile reading for those interested in the mechanisms of word order change or in the history of English syntax.’

— Australian Journal of Linguistics, Volume 5. Issue 1

‘…the book is a good one, nicely argued and well-informed. It is a must for any collection on OE syntax, language typology, or historical linguistics. I would recommend it as a text for courses in these fields.’

— Edwin Battistella, Language, Vol. 60, No.

From the Publisher