This new core text for the upper-level undergraduate and graduate History of the English Language course is geared to contemporary American students, primarily those in an English/Literature department, with unique emphases on American (including African American English) and global English varieties/dialects, rather than contemporary British English, and on the English of today exemplified by language online, modern technology, and new media. The book expertly and comprehensively covers introductory material on the structure of English and the chronological history of English through the linguistic, literary, and technological record - including public and private sources, and those of women and people of color through history. Rather than seeing the rise of English as inevitable or a victory of standardized language, the theme of the book is that change and diversity/variety is the story of English from its origins through today and into the future. Authored by a renowned teacher, scholar, and writer on this subject, this author explains masterfully and writes fluidly for an inviting and useful text guiding students and instructors through the term. Exercises as online support material help reinforce understanding/learning and challenge students to reflect on language use in their own experience.
