This authoritative survey offers a concise description of Middle English, the language of Chaucer, during the period from 1100 to 1500. Middle English is discussed in relation to both earlier and later stages in the history of English and in regard to other languages with which it came into contact. The book covers the principal features of Middle English spelling, pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary and also introduces Middle English textual studies.

A Introduction to Middle English

Reference

Smith, Jeremy

Horobin, Simon

Words, Language & Grammar

Oxford University Press

This authoritative survey offers a concise description of Middle English, the language of Chaucer, during the period from 1100 to 1500. Middle English is discussed in relation to both earlier and later stages in the history of English and in regard to other languages with which it came into contact. The book covers the principal features of Middle English spelling, pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary and also introduces Middle English textual studies.

An Introduction to Middle English

The English language is spoken by more than a billion people throughout the world. But where did English come from? And how has it evolved into the language used today? In this Very Short Introduction Simon Horobin investigates how we have arrived at the English we know today, and celebrates the way new speakers and new uses mean that it continues to adapt. Engaging with contemporary concerns about correctness, Horobin considers whether such changes are improvements, or evidence of slipping standards. What is the future for the English language? Will Standard English continue to hold sway, or we are witnessing its replacement by newly emerging Englishes? ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

The English Language: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions)

Does Spelling Matter?

This book narrates the history of English spelling from the Anglo-Saxons to the present-day, charting the various changes that have taken place and the impact these have had on the way we spell today. While good spelling is seen as socially and educationally desirable, many people struggle to spell common words like accommodate, occurrence, dependent. Is it our spelling system that is to blame, and should we therefore reform English spelling to make it easier to learn? Or are such calls for change further evidence of the dumbing-down of our educational standards, also witnessed by the tolerance of poor spelling in text-messaging and email? This book evaluates such views by considering previous attempts to reform the spelling of English and other languages, while also looking critically at claims that the electronic age heralds the demise of correct spelling.

How English Became English: A Short History of a Global Language

Where do our everyday words come from? The bagel you eat for breakfast, the bumf you have to wade through at the office, and the bus that takes you home again: we use these words without thinking about their origins or how their meanings have changed over time. Simon Horobin takes the reader on a journey through a typical day, showing how the words we use to describe routine activities - getting up, going to work, eating meals - have surprisingly fascinating histories.

Bagels, Bumf, and Buses: A Day in the Life of the English Language

Chaucer's Language

The English language has changed dramatically over the past 500 years, making it increasingly difficult for students to read Chaucer's works. Assuming no previous linguistic knowledge or familiarity with Middle English, Simon Horobin introduces students to Chaucer's language and the importance of reading Chaucer in the original, rather than modern translation.Chaucer's Language- leads the reader gently through basic linguistic concepts with appropriate explanation- highlights how Chaucer's English differs from present-day English, and the significance of this for interpreting and understanding his work- provides close analysis and comparison with the writings of Chaucer's contemporaries to show how Chaucer drew on the variety of Middle English to achieve particular poetic effects- includes sample texts, a glossary of linguistic terminology, a bibliography and suggestions for further reading to aid study.Authoritative and easy-to-follow, this is an indispensable guide to understanding, appreciating and enjoying the language of Chaucer.

Literature & Fiction

History & Criticism

Red Globe Press

In keeping with the first edition, this is a thorough yet concise introduction to Chaucer's language in the original, which does not assume prior knowledge of linguistics or Middle English. This updated, expanded edition features a glossary on Chaucer's words, along with sample quotes, and a section on how to use the Middle English Dictionary.

All living languages are subject to change, and in this highly accessible handbook, Simon Horobin shows the importance of thinking about why, as well as how, language changes over time. Studying the History of Early English introduces students to the theories and methodologies that underpin the historical study of English. Drawing on a wealth of approaches, textual, historical and sociolinguistic, Horobin provides detailed explanations of key developments in the history of English, in spelling, pronunciation, grammar and vocabulary and introduces students to the various ways in which scholars have attempted to explain these changesLively and original, Studying the History of Early English:• equips students with key analytical tools and methods for the historical study of English • includes practical information on gathering evidence and provides a wealth of worked-through textual examples• contains suggestions for further reading at the end of each chapter• employs a methodological, rather than chronological approach, with each chapter designed to address a specific topic and consider its relevance to the three major periods in the history of English: Old English, Middle English and Early Modern EnglishPerspectives on the English Language is an innovative series of textbooks for the English language student, together forming a wide-ranging course for undergraduate students of English. The basis of the series is a 'core' of three books which together lay the foundations for further study. A set of higher level textbooks builds on these core books by bringing together the latest thinking in a range of topics in English language. Clearly set out and including relevant exercises and questions, they make both the foundations of language and the latest research accessible to a student audience.Series Editors: Lesley Jeffries and Dan McIntyre

Studying the History of Early English (Perspectives on the English Language)

PALGRAVE~MACMILLAN

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Horobin, Simon. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Horobin, Simon

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Horobin, Simon. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

A Introduction to Middle English

An Introduction to Middle English

The English Language: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions)

Does Spelling Matter?

How English Became English: A Short History of a Global Language

Bagels, Bumf, and Buses: A Day in the Life of the English Language

Does Spelling Matter?

Chaucer's Language

Chaucer's Language

Studying the History of Early English (Perspectives on the English Language)