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The English Language: A Very Short Introduction
Written by Simon Horobin
Narrated by Shaun Grindell
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Start ListeningDescription
The English language is spoken by more than a billion people throughout the world. But from where did English come? And how has it evolved into the language used today?
In this Very Short Introduction, Simon Horobin investigates how we have arrived at the English we know today and celebrates the way new speakers and new uses mean that it continues to adapt. Engaging with contemporary concerns about correctness, Horobin considers whether such changes are improvements or evidence of slipping standards.
What is the future for the English language? Will standard English continue to hold sway, or are we witnessing its replacement by newly emerging Englishes?
Book Actions
Start ListeningBook Information
The English Language: A Very Short Introduction
Written by Simon Horobin
Narrated by Shaun Grindell
Description
The English language is spoken by more than a billion people throughout the world. But from where did English come? And how has it evolved into the language used today?
In this Very Short Introduction, Simon Horobin investigates how we have arrived at the English we know today and celebrates the way new speakers and new uses mean that it continues to adapt. Engaging with contemporary concerns about correctness, Horobin considers whether such changes are improvements or evidence of slipping standards.
What is the future for the English language? Will standard English continue to hold sway, or are we witnessing its replacement by newly emerging Englishes?
About the author
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Reviews
A fascinating writing on the origins, development and spread of the English language.Simon Horobin also speculates how long the language will last and what, if any, other language may take its place.A must for any language student.I was given a digital copy of this book by the publisher Oxford University Press via Netgalley in return for an honest unbiased review.
Rating: 5Super fascinating and well-written. Horobin does a really great job of being unbiased for the majority of the text, stating all the facts from all sides of the issue. It's also surprisingly in-depth for such a little book. Not only is there a history of the English language with specific examples, there's also a bunch on modern issues with English such as texting and Spanglish and what even counts as a language anyway? PLUS, he concludes it all with a why does it matter section. I applaud not only the book itself, but the structure as well.Great for nerds like me who love words and languages and obscure facts. Also great for anyone concerned with modern social issues, because language is a big part of every "race" and culture, and Horobin does a great job of addressing it.
Rating: 5