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Whenever we write or speak we give away a great deal about ourselves by our choices in pronunciation, dialect, vocabulary and grammar. This fascinating books explores the way t This new edition of David Crystal's classic book is the definitive survey of English in all its global variations.
This fascinating books explores the way the language has developed, and examines the factors that unify it and the variations that divide it both nationwide and worldwide. Now completely revised, The English Language takes into account the phenomenal influence of the Internet as well as social and political changes, recent neologisms, developments in the media and shifting preferences in accent and dialect. There is also a new chapter on the effect of technology on English and a final discussion of the future of the language.
Paperback , pages. Published September 1st by Penguin Books first published To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up. To ask other readers questions about The English Language , please sign up. Lists with This Book. Feb 27, Barb Middleton rated it really liked it Shelves: David Crystal presents the history of the English language in an easy-to-read format that is not too dry.
The linguistic perspective shows the evolution of English from Old English that had very few surviving manuscripts about 30 to global English that has diversified into different dialects. He addresses some of the language anxiety that has come out of these variations in recent history such as Singapore and points out the paradox of the government mandating the people to not use a mixture o David Crystal presents the history of the English language in an easy-to-read format that is not too dry. He addresses some of the language anxiety that has come out of these variations in recent history such as Singapore and points out the paradox of the government mandating the people to not use a mixture of Singapore and English while not recognizing the identity that comes from this unique vernacular.
The studies he explores regarding the English language's influence throughout the world was the most interesting for me. Some of the more detailed linguistic examinations I skimmed over. Although the grammatical structure changes from Old English into Modern English today were interesting, especially when he states that Middle English was more set in its form with the subject, verb, object. I couldn't understand half the sentences. It wasn't clear to me. Chaucer is not easy to read. Jul 24, James Perkins rated it it was amazing. An amazing trip through the history and use of English, this book never fails to amuse, dazzle, and educate as it guides you through the development of the language since the Angles and Saxons invaded Britain in the fifth century.
If you've ever wondered why English spelling is so bizarre, or its grammar so obtuse, or why pronunciation can be tricky, then you will find the answers here. The author explains how English came to dominate as a world language, and tells us about a few of its more pop An amazing trip through the history and use of English, this book never fails to amuse, dazzle, and educate as it guides you through the development of the language since the Angles and Saxons invaded Britain in the fifth century.
The author explains how English came to dominate as a world language, and tells us about a few of its more popular varieties around the world. He shows us how technology has had very definite effects on language, from the invention of the printing press over five hundred years ago to the Internet today. Crystal is an historian, but his style is authoritative without being academic; his writing is easy to read and if technical terms arise, he explains them clearly. He does not complain about changes like a purist, but simply observes, reports, and enjoys the way that language lives with the human beings that speak it.
My only complaints were the necessary brevity of the text, and the fact that it is already nearly ten years old means that it is about due for a revised edition. The book is a marvel - if you like language, you will enjoy it. Nov 30, Mandy rated it really liked it Shelves: A fascinating little book about the English Language and a perfect present for anyone who gets cross if you pronounce schedule as "sked-yule" rather than "shed-yule", or who in any other way tries to keep the language inflexible and unchanging.
It takes the sting out of those people by making it clear how changeable, flexible and, yes, international English is. As a lovely bonus, Crystal suggests a fairly pain free way of working out the size of your vocabulary. I can't wait to get started. Aug 07, Jennifer rated it liked it. I have to admit, I was a little disappointed, although it might be due to the fact that, as an English language student, I have read so many overviews of the subject like this one, that I already knew most of the information and was a little bored.
Sure, it is a pretty decent overview, but it went into so much depth in the topics I already know everything about like the history of English and just skimmed over those that I was really interested in knowing more about like forensic linguistics , although I did enjoy the world Englishes section. Oct 29, Sarah rated it it was amazing. As someone who has both studied English Language in the past, and enjoys reading about it for pleasure this book appealed to me straight away. I found it to be a brilliant insight in to the language with a great, in depth look at all aspects from Old English to modern inventions such as netspeak, in a way that felt accessible.
Dec 03, Daniel Olachea rated it really liked it. A very interesting book. Seemed a bit scattered with its subjects, but interesting to read. May 09, Lori rated it it was amazing. A far-reaching volume that deals with evolution of language, regional variations, technology, slang, jargon, humor David Crystal has a brilliant way of making the basics of linguistics accessible to anyone.
I'm sure he certainly could go into greater depth, but then this very readable volume would feel like a textbook instead. Jul 23, Kiel rated it it was amazing Shelves: Enjoyable and interseting, although the chapter on the effects of technology is in dire need of an update. Aug 03, Fiona Ranson rated it really liked it. An accessible read - a good one especially when you know that it's the opposite of what Gove is spouting about at the moment.
Probably most EAL teachers will have this info already, also thanks to Crystal's influence in National Strategy, pre Tories ,many primary teachers will be able to read this and recognise his influence- ah for the days of research led practice!!! Apr 12, Eryne Miganet rated it it was ok.
Seeing as I HAD to read it for school, it wasn't as enjoyable as I think it would be had I chosen it of my own accord. Interestingly written, it conveys all the basics you have to have to start an academic career in English literature. Very encompassing overview over all generic information and terms.
Jan 03, Rose added it Shelves: Some features of WorldCat will not be available.
David Crystal is an honorary professor of linguistics at the University of Wales, Bangor. He is one of the most highly respected commentators on the English. Read The English Language: A Guided Tour of the Language book reviews & author details and more at bahana-line.com Free delivery on qualified orders.
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Despite the astonishingly widespread use of English, each speaker makes it their own.
Whenever we write or speak we give away a great deal about ourselves by our choices in pronunciation, dialect, vocabulary and grammar. This fascinating book explores the way the language has developed, and examines the factors that unify it and the variations that divide it both nationwide and worldwide.
Now completely revised, The English Language takes into account the phenomenal influence of the Internet as well as social and political changes, recent neologisms, developments in the media and shifting preferences in accent and dialect. There is also a new chapter on the effect of technology on English and a final discussion of the future of the language.
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