An Introduction to Early Modern English

by Terttu Nevalainen

An Introduction to Early Modern English, helps students of English and linguistics to place the language of the period 1500-1700 in its historical context as a language with a common core but also one which varies across time, regionally and socially, and according to register. The volume focuses on the structure of what contemporaries called the General Dialect--its spelling, vocabulary, grammar and punctuation--and on its dialectal origins. The book also discusses the language situation and linguistic anxieties in England at a time when Latin exerted a strong influence on the rising standard language.

Genres: Linguistics, Nonfiction

186 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most complete book related to linguistics in the Early Modern English period that you can find. Terttu not only contextualizes the processes that English is undergoing, but also gives a clear background of society and its direct impact on language, as well as a very detailed explanation of the massive role played by Latin and how English nativizes Latinisms, among other things.
A masterpiece.

[Carolin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm obviously not adding every single academic article I read, but whole books? why not. they are after all stealing my time to actually read fiction/non-fiction that interests me. but, pretty good overview of the topic, allowing me to not really take part in the seminar and hopefully still slaying tuesday's exam