What'S In A Word: Etymological Gossip About Some Interesting English Words

by Robert Gorrell

Overview

Modern English is rich in words derived from sources as diverse as classical Latin and Greek, Indonesian and other Asian languages, European mythology and religion, and the popular culture of many times and places. In this survey of the origins of several hundred familiar English words, linguist Robert Gorrell explores the myriad ways our language has been shaped by successive conquests of Britain by the Romans, Germanic tribes, and Normans; by borrowings from Greek (which followed the spread of Christianity into the British Isles), Arabic, Native American languages, French, and others; and by the spread of British conquerors, colonists, and merchants around the world.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780874173673
Publisher:	University of Nevada Press
Publication date:	02/01/2001
Pages:	240
Product dimensions:	5.10(w) x 7.30(h) x 0.80(d)
Age Range:	3 Months to 18 Years

About the Author

Robert Gorrell is professor of English emeritus at the University of Nevada, Reno. He is the author of more than a dozen books and his weekly newspaper column "Straight Talk" was published in the Reno Gazette-Journal for thirteen years through 1995. He is the recipient of numerous distinguished service awards from the University of Nevada, Reno, the Nevada Humanities Committee, and the University of Nevada Alumni Association.