PS-History of English: From Synthetic to Analytic
Martin Konvicka
Kommentar
In this course, you will get familiar with earlier stages of English and with the various language change processes that shaped English in its present-day form. In particular, we will focus on the shift from synthetic to analytic language type. Old English, the earliest attested stage of English, was a highly synthetic language which means that it relied on complex morphology to express the various grammatical functions. Present-Day English, on the other hand, is much more analytic. Instead of morphology, it uses auxiliaries and word order to achieve the same.
Apart from our focus on this typological shift, we will also survey a number of other changes in phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics. We will read and analyse primary texts from different stages of English. Furthermore, our investigation of the history of the English language will at times include a comparative aspect. This means that we will contrast the developments in English with the developments in other closely related Germanic languages, mainly German and Dutch.
Against this backdrop, the aim of this is course is threefold. First, to provide you with an overview of the internal as well as the external history of the English language. Second, to familiarise you with the basic concepts of historical linguistics. Third, to demonstrate how the knowledge of the linguistic history of a language can be beneficial for understanding its current structure.
In order for you to successfully pass the course, you have to i) attend regularly and not miss more than the allowed maximum of classes, ii) attend actively and be prepared for each session in order to participate in discussions and group tasks, and iii) submit a term paper at the end of the semester.
All organisational and administrative issues will be discussed during the first session. If you, for whatever reason, cannot participate please contact me ahead of time.
Schließen13 Termine
Regelmäßige Termine der Lehrveranstaltung