SoSe 23: PS-History of English II: From present-day variation to proto-languages
Martin Konvicka
Comments
This is a course in the linguistic history and pre-history of English. We will read and analyse primary texts from various stages of English to learn about the major changes in phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics and we will read secondary texts to help us contextualise these changes.
Usually, courses and textbooks on the history of English begin with the pre-history and early history of English and continue until present-day English. In our course, however, we will do things differently. We will start with discussions of the most recent changes in English and continue against the flow of time until the linguistic pre-history. By doing this, we will be able to better see the interconnectedness of (linguistic) variation and (linguistic) change.
Apart from this aspect, there are three major goals of this course. First, to provide you with an overview of the internal and external history of the English language. Second, to familiarise you with the basic concepts and methods of historical linguistics. Third, to demonstrate how the knowledge of the history of a language can be beneficial for understanding its current structure (and vice versa).
In order for you to pass the course, you have to attend regularly, i.e. not missing more than the allowed maximum of classes, you have to attend actively, i.e. being prepared for each session and participate in discussions and group tasks, and submit a term paper at the end of the semester.
All organisational, administrative as well as technical issues will be discussed during the first session. If you, for whatever reason, cannot participate please contact me ahead of time.
close14 Class schedule
Regular appointments