An Introduction to Middle English

by Jeremy J. Smith, Simon Horobin

An Introduction to Middle English is designed to provide undergraduate students of English historical linguistics with a concise description of the language during the period 1100-1500. Middle English, the language of Chaucer, is discussed in relation to both earlier and later stages in the history of English, and in relation to other languages with which it came into contact. the historical and geographical contexts of Middle English* the evidence for Middle English* the principal features of Middle English spelling, pronunciation, grammar and vocabulary* an introduction to Middle English textual studies* selected Middle English texts, both literary and non-literary* notes, glossaries and annotated bibliographies* questions for reviewMost other introductory books on Middle English focus on literary rather than linguistic matters; this book is designed to redress the balance, by providing students of English language with an up-to-date, authoritative survey which takes account of recent trends in historical linguistics.

Genres: Linguistics, Nonfiction, Medieval, Reference, Language

182 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Chaco · Rating 2 out of 5]

I mean, I managed to pick up a few interesting factoids about the development of Middle English here and there, but this is definitely a book for the academic study of Middle English linguistics. Scholarly and in my view not meant for the layman.

[Brandon Skanes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Assigned reading, but well-done!