Diese Arbeit beschreibt die Entstehung und die Entwicklungsphasen des britischen Standard-Englisch von den keltischen Siedlern bis zu den technologischen Entwicklungen unserer globalisierten Zeit und der Weltsprache Englisch.
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction: The English English Standard
- 2. The genealogy of English
- 3. Before English
- 3.1. The first settlers in Britain
- 3.2. Roman invaders
- 4. The Old English Period (ca. 450-1150)
- 4.1. The Anglo-Saxons
- 4.2. The Vikings
- 4.3. The Normans
- 5. The Middle English Period (ca. 1150-1500)
- 6. The Early Modern English Period (ca. 1500-1800)
- 7. The Victorian Age and the Industrial Revolution
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper aims to trace the development of Standard English in England, from its origins to its current form. It examines the historical, social, and cultural factors that shaped the language, explaining how a specific dialect rose to become the standard. The paper will explore the linguistic changes that occurred over time, considering the influence of various groups and historical events.
- The development of Standard English
- The influence of historical events on linguistic change
- The impact of different cultures and languages on English
- The evolution of English pronunciation, spelling, syntax, and lexis
- The social and cultural factors contributing to language standardization
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: The English English Standard: This introductory chapter defines "Standard English" as the form of English spoken by most educated speakers in England, highlighting its status as one dialect among many that gained prominence. It establishes the paper's objective to trace the development of this standard, emphasizing the interconnectedness of language and socio-cultural forces. The chapter underscores that language is not an independent entity but rather a reflection of human behavior and historical context, setting the stage for a historical linguistic analysis.
2. The genealogy of English: This chapter explores the linguistic ancestry of English, placing it within the West Germanic branch of the Indo-European language family. It discusses the evolution of language, referencing Jespersen's theory of a shift from complex, irregular structures to simpler, more regularly combinable elements. This chapter lays the groundwork for understanding the historical processes that shaped the English language, providing a broad linguistic context for the subsequent detailed historical analysis.
3. Before English: This chapter details the inhabitants of the British Isles before the arrival of the Anglo-Saxons, starting with early cave dwellers and then moving on to the Celts who arrived around 750 BC and established Gaelic and Cymraeg languages. It also covers the Roman invasion in 55 BC, highlighting its lasting impact on some aspects of British life and vocabulary. The chapter contrasts the existing cultures and languages with the future influence of Anglo-Saxons, laying the foundation for the discussion of Old English in the next section. The significance of this section lies in establishing the pre-English linguistic landscape of Britain and its subsequent influence on the development of English.
4. The Old English Period (ca. 450-1150): This chapter focuses on the arrival and impact of the Anglo-Saxons (Angles, Saxons, Jutes, and Frisians) in Britain around 449 AD. It explains how these Germanic tribes conquered the majority of the island, pushing the Celts into the highlands of Scotland, Wales, and Cornwall. The chapter highlights the Anglo-Saxons as the dominant ethnic group, giving their name to the land and language. It notes that while some Celtic words were retained, particularly place-names, Old English largely replaced the previous languages, forming the bedrock of modern English vocabulary, grammar, and syntax. The advanced oral culture and love of wordplay among Anglo-Saxons are also noted. This chapter provides the core basis for the development of English, tracing the origins of many core features.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the main topic of this text?
This text provides a comprehensive overview of the historical development of Standard English in England. It traces the language's evolution from its origins to its current form, examining the historical, social, and cultural factors that shaped it.
What periods of English history are covered?
The text covers several key periods: Before English (including the Celtic and Roman influences), the Old English Period (ca. 450-1150), the Middle English Period (ca. 1150-1500), the Early Modern English Period (ca. 1500-1800), and the Victorian Age and the Industrial Revolution. Each period's impact on the development of Standard English is discussed.
What are the key themes explored in the text?
Key themes include the development of Standard English itself; the influence of historical events (like the Roman invasion, Viking raids, and Norman Conquest) on linguistic change; the impact of different cultures and languages (Celtic, Roman, Norse, etc.) on English; the evolution of English pronunciation, spelling, syntax, and vocabulary; and the social and cultural factors contributing to language standardization.
What is the objective of this paper?
The paper aims to trace the development of Standard English in England, explaining how a specific dialect rose to prominence. It examines the historical, social, and cultural factors that shaped the language.
What is Standard English, as defined in this text?
Standard English is defined as the form of English spoken by most educated speakers in England. The text highlights that it is just one dialect among many which gained a dominant position.
What is covered in the chapter on "The genealogy of English"?
This chapter explores the linguistic ancestry of English, placing it within the Indo-European language family and discussing its evolution, including Jespersen's theory of a shift from complex, irregular structures to simpler, more regular ones.
What does the chapter on "Before English" discuss?
This chapter details the inhabitants of the British Isles before the Anglo-Saxons, including the Celts and the Romans, and their linguistic and cultural impact. It sets the stage for understanding the arrival of the Anglo-Saxons and the development of Old English.
What is the focus of the chapter on "The Old English Period"?
This chapter focuses on the arrival and impact of the Anglo-Saxons, their conquest of Britain, and the replacement of earlier languages with Old English. It highlights the linguistic features of Old English and its lasting influence on modern English.
How does the text explain the development of Standard English?
The text explains the development of Standard English through a historical linguistic analysis, connecting language change with socio-cultural forces. It shows how various historical events and the influence of different groups contributed to the shaping of the language.
Who is the intended audience of this text?
The text is intended for an academic audience interested in the historical development of the English language, particularly the evolution of Standard English.
- Quote paper
- Susanne Opel (Author), 2004, The Historical Development of the English Standard, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/42613
