Watching english change : an introduction to the study of linguistic change in standard englishes in the twentieth century

Incl ref.

Watching English Change is a ground-breaking new text, examining the ways English has changed linguistically in the twentieth century. Unlike most work dealing with on-going linguistic change, this book concentrates on the standard varietes of English. It is written at an elementary level and requires little prior knowledge of linguistics, older stages of English or historical knowledge of other languages. The book discusses the changes which have occurred in areas such as grammar, pronunciation and usagge. It also looks at engineered changes such as the avoidance of sexist language. It is largely descriptive but also considers the theoretical implications of the changes which have occurred. Exercises are included throughout the text, to test comprehension, and research topics are also suggested to encourage students to look further into this fascinating subject.