The English Language: A Guided Tour of the Language

by David Crystal

Overview

This is the definitive survey of the English language—in all its forms. Crystal writes accessibly about the structure of the language, the uses of English throughout the world, and finally he gives a brief history of English. The book has been fully revised and there is a fascinating new chapter on "The effect of technology" on the English language.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780141003962
Publisher:	Penguin Publishing Group
Publication date:	07/27/2004
Edition description:	2nd ed.
Pages:	336
Product dimensions:	5.28(w) x 7.82(h) x 0.59(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

David Crystal is an honorary professor of linguistics at the University of Wales, Bangor. He is one of the most highly respected commentators on the English language. He is the author of Language Play, Listen to Your Child, and Words on Words.

Table of Contents

	List of Maps	vii
	Acknowledgements	ix
	Introduction	xi
1	The English Language Today	1
	Pidgins and Creoles	13
Part I	The Structure of English	19
2	Grammar	21
	Grammar and You	32
3	Vocabulary	34
	How Large is Your Vocabulary?	46
4	Pronunciation	52
	Received Pronunciation	64
5	Spelling	69
	Spelling Reform	82
Part II	The Uses of English	85
6	Language Variety	87
	Trucker Talk	104
7	English at Play	107
	Sound Symbolism	124
8	The Effect of Technology	127
	Texting	141
9	Personal English	144
	Statistical Laws?	157
Part III	The History of English	161
10	Old English	163
	Casting the Runes	179
11	Middle English	184
	The Origins of Modern Standard English	203
12	Early Modern English	207
	Words Then and Now	228
13	English Around the World	233
	British and American English	264
14	English Today	270
	Plain English	285
15	English Tomorrow	292
Appendix A	Some Events in English Language History	298
Appendix B	A Guide to the Guides	301
Appendix C	Data Sources	304
	Index	307

Editorial Reviews

"Illuminating guided tour of our common treasure by one of its most lucid and sensible professionals."  —Times


"A splendid blend of erudition and entertainment."  —THES

From the Publisher