The progressive form is a phenomenon frequently to be observed in Present Day English. But where does it actually come from? Has it always been part of English, or did it enter the language through another one? And if that is the case, which other language was involved?
Different theories offer different explanations on questions like the above. This paper attempts to give a brief illustration of the major ideas on the origin of the progressive as we know it today. A final conclusion will sum up central findings and try to articulate an opinion of its own based on the inspected data.
DENISON remarks that in Old English times constructions were used that consisted of two elements: a form of the verb beon/wesan and a present participle (V(i)ende). Such syntagms strongly resemble the progressive in its modern appearance.
There are several opinions circulating, as far as the question is concerned where the progressive comes from and how it turned out to be what it is now. Some scholars assume that the progressive developed as a result of a contact between English and the Celtic languages, others consider it more probable that an encounter with Latin was responsible, and finally, a third group believes no other language’s influence played a role in the development of the progressive, but that it evolved instead within Old English independently. Relevant aspects of these positions will be shortly outlined hereafter. ISAAC points out “that there has been an undeniable contact between English and the Celtic languages” but remains sceptical with regard to the issue of this contact’s significance for the development of linguistic features in English. MEID appears to be more confident in this matter, especially in connection with a possible Celtic influence on the English aspectual system.
And, indeed, several reasons suggest the possibility of a Celtic origin concerning the progressive form as it appears in Present Day English. The first is a very general one: Celtic has been among the languages that had some impact on the development of English at a certain point. Why shouldn’t it be possible, therefore, that it was responsible for the progressive as well?
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Theories on the Origin of the Progressive
2.1. Contact between Celtic and English
2.2. Contact between Latin and English
2.3. The “Independent Growth Hypothesis”
3. The Phenomenon of Language Contact
4. Conclusion
5. Bibliography
Objectives and Topics
This paper explores the historical origins of the English progressive form, investigating whether it developed autonomously within Old English or emerged due to external influence from Celtic or Latin languages.
- The evolution of the "expanded form" in Old English.
- Evaluation of the Celtic hypothesis regarding syntactical influence.
- Analysis of potential Latin influence and translation techniques.
- Examination of the "Independent Growth Hypothesis".
- Theoretical perspectives on language contact and structural borrowing.
Excerpt from the Book
2. Theories on the Origin of the Progressive
DENISON remarks that in Old English times constructions were used that consisted of two elements: a form of the verb beon/wesan and a present participle (V(i)ende). Such syntagms strongly resemble the progressive in its modern appearance.
There are several opinions circulating, as far as the question is concerned where the progressive comes from and how it turned out to be what it is now. Some scholars assume that the progressive developed as a result of a contact between English and the Celtic languages, others consider it more probable that an encounter with Latin was responsible, and finally, a third group believes no other language’s influence played a role in the development of the progressive, but that it evolved instead within Old English independently. Relevant aspects of these positions will be shortly outlined hereafter.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Outlines the research focus on the origins of the English progressive and introduces the major competing theories of its development.
2. Theories on the Origin of the Progressive: Details the three primary hypotheses—Celtic influence, Latin influence, and independent internal development—supported by scholarly arguments.
3. The Phenomenon of Language Contact: Explores the linguistic mechanisms of language contact using the framework of Thomason & Kaufman to assess how external factors might influence internal language change.
4. Conclusion: Synthesizes the findings, suggesting that an internal development within Old English, potentially enhanced by contact with Celtic and Latin, is the most plausible explanation.
5. Bibliography: Lists the academic sources and linguistic studies referenced throughout the paper.
Keywords
English progressive, Old English, language contact, Celtic influence, Latin influence, independent growth, beon/wesan, expanded form, syntax, historical linguistics, grammatical borrowing, language maintenance, substratum, linguistic evolution, verb phrase.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central focus of this paper?
The paper examines the historical origin of the English progressive form to determine if its development was driven by internal language evolution or external contact with other languages.
What are the primary theoretical perspectives discussed?
The study reviews three main theories: the Celtic hypothesis (influence of Celtic syntax), the Latin hypothesis (influence of Latin translation methods), and the Independent Growth Hypothesis (autonomous internal development).
What is the main research question?
The research seeks to identify whether the English progressive has always been part of the language's development or if it entered through contact with other linguistic systems.
Which methodology is employed in this research?
The author uses a literature review and comparative analysis of existing linguistic studies and scholarly arguments concerning Old English syntax.
What is the core subject of the main chapters?
The chapters investigate the arguments for and against specific foreign influences and apply general linguistic contact theories to the specific case of the English progressive.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
The work is characterized by terms such as historical linguistics, Old English syntax, language contact, and the progressive form.
How does the author evaluate the "Celtic Hypothesis"?
The author acknowledges the formal similarities and the chronological precedence of Celtic constructions, finding the argument for substratum influence quite plausible.
What conclusion does the author reach regarding the origin of the progressive?
The author concludes that while foreign contact likely played an enhancing role, it is most probable that an internal, perhaps Indo-Germanic, tendency within Old English provided the foundation for the progressive form.
- Quote paper
- Fritz Hubertus Vaziri (Author), 2007, Theories on the origin of the english progressive, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/113296
