BA English Language

In this unit, we will explore some of the major changes to the words and grammar of English. We will discuss how semantic and grammatical changes are studied, modelled and explained. As such, this unit is also an introduction to these topics in Historical Linguistics in general and to some of the methods, theories and discussions in this subdiscipline of Linguistics.

• Study some of the major changes affecting the words and grammar of English
• Introduce students to (English) Historical Linguistics and prepare them for more advanced study as well as research projects in this area

• Sophisticated understanding of a number of major semantic and grammatical changes in English
• Insight into the workings and effects of language change over a long period of time
• Knowledge of main terms, as well as some theories and debates in (English) Historical Linguistics
• Good understanding of the data and methods used in (English) Historical Linguistics

• Explain and apply key terms in Historical Linguistics to new data sets
• Critically discuss different theoretical approaches to and debates about major changes affecting the structure of English
• Understand main claims in research papers on semantic and grammatical change

• Collect data to study semantic and grammatical changes in English
• Analyse and interpret sets of selected examples evidencing change in English
• Speak and write about semantic and grammatical change 

• Skills in linguistic analysis that can be applied to the study and analysis of other languages 
• Problem solving and analytical thinking skills, when faced with new data sets and grammatical puzzles
• Oral and written communication skills, including essay writing and scholarly referencing
• Attention to detail and precision in analysis and reporting

• Kay, Christian & Kathryn L. Allan. 2015. English historical semantics. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press.
• Fischer, Olga, Hendrik De Smet & Wim van der Wurff. 2017. A brief history of English syntax. Cambridge: CUP.
• Hogg, Richard and David Denison, eds. 2006. A history of the English language. Cambridge: CUP.
• Brinton, Laurel, ed. 2017. English historical linguistics: approaches and perspectives. Cambridge: CUP.
• Kytö, Merja & Päivi Pahta, eds. 2016. The Cambridge handbook of English Historical Linguistics. Cambridge: CUP.

           (Sections from) books and papers on individual topics will be added during lectures