GLESSIE ANN S.

BARBA September 3, 2022

MA-ENG ENG-402

 Discuss the relevance of studying the history (external and internal history) of the
English language to your:

a) Degree (MA English)

b) Profession
c) Personal development

Studying history of English language can be complex in a way. It has an internal and external
aspects. Internal history is about linguistic categories such as sounds, structure, and vocabulary. While
external history is about the geographical and social spread, attitudes towards the language, study of
its features and attempts at its regulation. According to Gelderon (2006, pp. 268) after 1600, English
speakers started to spread around the world for a variety of reasons: exploration, trade, forced and
voluntary migrations, and wars. Likewise, English today is spoken by million people all over the world. It
is the world’s second largest native language. Cliché as it sounds but as a person aiming for degree in
master, I should be expert in my chosen field of expertise. Studying this course is essential for it is
substantial information that goes hand in hand in teaching the language. For instance, we teach
vocabulary, grammar, and sound in English subject. Or we may ask by our colleague about the
different version of English. Another possible instance is when you are task to be a speaker in a certain
topic about history or structure of English.
English can be at least understood almost everywhere among scholars and educated people,
as it is the world media language, and the language of cinema, TV, pop music, and the computer world.
All over the planet people know many English words, their pronunciation, and their meaning. Making
English language as essential to learn. To be able to cope or compete globally. That is also one of the
reasons why English is one of the major subjects taught at the Elementary and Secondary levels here
in the Philippines. That is why, Filipinos are known all over the world as good English speakers.
However, as an English teacher learning the general knowledge is not recommended. I need to be able
to offer instruction in both composition and literature. I must understand the beginning of the English
language such as where and when it originated, and how it become the way it is. I mustn’t settle for the
general information but always seek the best that you can offer to students.
Baugh & Cable (1951, pp. 10) stated that one of the most obvious characteristics of Present-day
English is the size and mixed character of its vocabulary. In addition, English has a greater level of
linguistic divergence. That is why, as a second-language speakers, and teachers of English, it is also
hard for teachers to master everything about the language. Nevertheless, studying the history and
development of the language is an essential part of mastering it. I would be comfortable teaching the
subject by being equipped with the English language. In my five years of experience in the field of
teaching, I am always expected to be good at speaking and teaching the language. I must be adept in
the language in internal and external aspects. And to become one, I must extend our resources to learn
the language.

Gelderen, E. V. (2006). A history of the English Language. John Benjamins Publishing Company.

Baugh, A. C., & Cable, T. (Ed.). (1993). A history of the English Language. Pearson Education,
Inc., publishing as Prentice Hall, Inc.