ENGL 315-01, The English Language, Spring 1999

Abstract

This course is a study of the history of the English language. It begins with a consideration of what language is and how the language we identify as English came to be, continues with a survey of the historical development of English from the Anglo-Saxon period to the present, and concludes with a consideration of some cultural aspects of the English language. We will look not only at the major figures and events influencing English, but also consider the impact of the Bible and the dictionary on how we think about the English language. Finally, we will discuss standards, jargon, professional and social influences, dialects, bilingualism, and other relevant issues.