ENG 101 History of the English Language

Analysis of the prehistoric antecedents of the English language and traces the growth of English from its earliest documentation to modern times paying attention to structural changes in phonology, morphology and syntax and to the enrichment of the lexicon. Students are introduced to the principles of linguistic evolution. Special emphasis is also placed on the changes in social institutions that affect language and the many ethnic sources that have enriched the resources of English, especially in the United States.