History of English

Author: (British) Baugh, A.C.
Publisher:
Publication Date: 2001-09-01
Features: This book systematically introduces important events in the development of the English language, with extremely rich content. The author has used this book as the main textbook for English history courses in teaching multiple times and found it quite suitable for our college English majors, especially for postgraduate students in English language and literature. Generally, our students find it difficult to read early English literature and lack knowledge of the historical and cultural background of the UK and the US. However, they do not find this book particularly challenging; instead, they become more interested as they read on. This is for a reason. First, the book uses a large number of carefully selected materials to explain the evolution of different stages of the English language, with clear and accessible explanations. The chapter structure is meticulous and systematic, both independent and closely linked, making it convenient for teaching use. Second, the book is cautious and rigorous in its selection and use of English history materials, especially when using early texts, showing deep research. Third, the book comprehensively describes the evolution of the English language, thoroughly explaining various internal and external factors, making the concept of continuous language change easy to understand. Fourth, the book adopts a relatively objective approach to dividing periods in English history. Fifth, the book provides a relatively complete introduction to the formation and development of English dialects, reflecting the continuity of English evolution in geographical distribution. Sixth, if the formation and development of English dialects reflect the continuity and variation of English evolution in geographical distribution, then the evolution of English from ancient to middle to modern times reflects the continuity of time. Seventh, the book provides a relatively comprehensive introduction to the current use of English worldwide, offering readers the background knowledge needed for further research on related topics. Finally, the author should also mention that the previous editions of this book specifically introduced pidgin English, creole English, and African American English.