A History of the English Language

by Michael Drout Narrated by Henry Strozier

Overview

Professor Drout addresses the foundation of language and its connection to specific portions of the brain. The components of language are explained in easy-to-understand terms and the progression of the language from Germanic to Old, Middle, and Modern English is fully illustrated-including such revolutionary language upheavals as those brought about by the Norman Conquest and the Great Vowel Shift. One of the most interesting aspects of the English language lies in its variants, such as the "soda" vs. "pop" debate and the place of African-American English in modern culture. These and other dialectual curiosities are looked at in detail and placed in the context of today's world. Finally, Professor Drout examines the future not only of the English language, but of all the world's languages.

Editorial Reviews

AUG/SEP 07 - AudioFile

As a university professor, Michael Drout realizes the importance of scripting, timing in narrating an audiobook. Professor Drout makes this lecture series stand out as informative and engaging. With a lively tone, conversational without sounding unrehearsed, Drout takes listeners on a fascinating and insightful tour of the English language: the theories and principles of linguistics; the origins of English as an ancient Germanic offshoot; the influence of Latin, Celtic, Scandinavian, and French to the time of Chaucer; a discussion of modern English from Shakespeare through American dialects; and the role of English as a global tongue. S.E.S. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine

Product Details

BN ID:	2940172544156
Publisher:	Recorded Books, LLC
Publication date:	10/09/2009
Edition description:	Unabridged

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