Abstract
This chapter provides some suggestions for the inclusion of the history of American English into the larger context of the History of the English language (HEL). By touching on themes found throughout within the external and internal history of English, for example, language contact and specific morphological and phonological processes, respectively, one can include lessons on American English and its varieties as an extension of the History of English, demonstrating to students that language “evolution” is an ongoing process and that variation within the language is a natural result of historical, linguistic, and social forces. This chapter begins with a (brief) general narrative of the development of American English and then offers a series of possible themes that could be incorporated into a HEL class for special focus, along with assignments and/or additional resources that encourage students to engage with the focus topics more deeply.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Approaches to Teaching the History of the English Language |
Subtitle of host publication | Pedagogy in Practice |
Pages | 285-304 |
Number of pages | 20 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9780190611040 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 1 2017 |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© Oxford University Press 2017. All rights reserved.
Keywords
- African american english
- American english
- Chicano english
- History of english
- Linguistic atlas project
- Southern american english
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Arts and Humanities
- General Social Sciences