The English Language

Name: The English Language
Brand: Unknown
SKU: 9781009228602
Price: 102.0 NZD
Availability: InStock

A Historical Introduction

By Joan C. Beal and Charles Barber and Philip A. Shaw

Brief Description

A comprehensive yet concise history of the English language, this accessible textbook helps those studying the subject to understand the formation of English. It tells the story of the language from its remote ancestry to the present day, especially the effects of globalisation and the spread... Read More

Format: Paperback / softback

$102⁰⁰

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The English Language

$102⁰⁰

An accessible introduction to the history of English, this textbook covers the evolution of the language from its prehistory to the twenty-first century. Now in its third edition, it has been substantially updated, and key concepts are clearly explained to make it accessible to readers with no background in linguistics.

Now in its third edition, this is an accessible history of English from prehistory to today, including a supporting website.

Description

Now in its third edition, it has been substantially revised and updated in light of new research, with an extended chapter on World Englishes, and a completely updated final chapter, which concentrates on changes to English in the twenty-first century.

It makes difficult concepts very easy to understand, and the chapters are set out to make the most of the wide range of topics covered, using dozens of familiar texts, including the English of King Alfred, Chaucer, Shakespeare, and Addison.

It is accompanied by a website with exercises for each chapter, and a range of extra resources.

The English Language by Joan C. Beal, Charles Barber, and Philip A. Shaw provides an insightful guide to the historical evolution of English, perfect for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of the language's rich heritage and dynamic global presence.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781009228602

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 08 January 2026

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Cambridge University Press

Edition: 3rd Revised edition

Illustration: Worked examples or Exercises; 1 Maps

Audience: Tertiary education

DIMENSIONS

Weight: 430g

Pages: 266

Collections

Charles Barber Education & Reference Joan C. Beal Non-Fiction Philip A. Shaw

About the Author

Charles Barber was formerly Reader in English Language and Literature at the University of Leeds. He died in 2000. Joan C. Beal is Emeritus Professor of English Language at the University of Sheffield. Her publications include English Pronunciation in the Eighteenth Century (1999), English in Modern Times 1700-1945 (2004), An Introduction to Regional Englishes (2010). She is the editor of The New Cambridge History of the English Language, Volume 3 (2025). Philip A. Shaw is Assistant Professor in Medieval Literary Studies at the University of Durham. His recent publications include Names and Naming in Beowulf (2020).