Why Is English Like That?: Historical Answers to Hard ELT Questions

by Norbert Schmitt, Richard Marsden

Why is "night" spelled with "gh"? Why can't sentences end with prepositions? Why does English have so many words that express the same ideas? Questions like these can be difficult for teachers to answer when they do not know the historical background of the English language. Why Is English Like That? gives teachers a brief and accessible history of the English without assuming any prior knowledge of the subject.

The book outlines the historical events that shaped English; describes how its grammar, vocabulary, spelling, and pronunciation developed over time; and highlights the "quirks" and "exceptions" in English that can be explained on a historical basis. By understanding how the English of today evolved from the English of past times, both teachers and students will be more comfortable with the many conventions of the English language.

Why Is English Like That? also contains reproducible grammar and vocabulary exercises that will help teachers incorporate some of this historical knowledge into classroom activities. This book was written with English language teachers in mind, and the exercises are designed for ESL/EFL students, but it may also be used by teachers in training (L1 and L2).

256 pages, Paperback

First published February 10, 2006

Reviews

[Alan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Schmitt and Marsden's book about the English language's history is great. My only two criticisms are that it can sometimes be extremely boring, and that it is sometimes makes out of date claims (particularly in the last two chapters). It is still a great read for anyone wishing to find out why English is such a nonsensical language.

[Ahlem Ferjeni]

i want to read for my research

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely the best English historical book so far. It's great because it has quizzes at the end of each chapter that assist comprehension.

[Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is concise and in an interesting way answers all your pressing questions about English. One of the better TESOL books I have read.

[Anthony]

Enjoying it so far!