Title
The Stories of English,New
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The English language is now accepted as the global lingua franca of the modern age, spoken or written in by over a quarter of the human race. But how did it evolve? How did a language spoken originally by a few thousand AngloSaxons become one used by more than 1,500 million? What developments can be seen as we move from Beowulf to Chaucer to Shakespeare to Dickens and the present day? A host of fascinating questions are answered in The Stories of English, a groundbreaking history of the language by David Crystal, the worldrenowned writer and commentator on English. Many books have been written about English, but they have all focused on a single variety: the educated, printed language called standard English. David Crystal turns the history of English on its head and instead provides a startlingly original view of where the richness, creativity and diversity of the language truly liesin the accents and dialects of nonstandard English users all over the world. Whatever their regional, social or ethnic background, each group has a story worth telling, whether it is in Scotland or Somerset, South Africa or Singapore. Interweaved within this central chronological story are accounts of uses of dialect around the world as well as in literary classics from The Canterbury Tales to The Lord of the Rings. For the first time, regional speech and writing is placed center stage, giving a sense of the social realities behind the development of English. This significant shift in perspective enables the reader to understand for the first time the importance of everyday, previously marginalized, voices in our language and provides an argument too for the way English should be taught in the future.
⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: How many pages does this book have? A: This book has five hundred ninety-two pages. It's a comprehensive exploration of the English language and its history.
- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: The binding type is paperback. This makes it lightweight and portable for easy reading.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author is David Crystal. He is a renowned linguist and expert on the English language.
- Q: What is the subject of this book? A: The subject is the history of the English language. It covers its dialects and linguistic variations across the globe.
- Q: What is the dimension of the book? A: The dimensions are five point five one inches in length, one point eight inches in width, and eight inches in height. This size makes it convenient for reading.
- Q: Is this book suitable for beginners? A: Yes, this book is suitable for beginners. It is designed as an introductory history of the English language.
- Q: Can I read this book if I'm not familiar with linguistics? A: Yes, you can read this book without prior knowledge of linguistics. The writing is accessible and engaging for all readers.
- Q: How do I take care of this paperback book? A: Keep it in a dry place and avoid exposing it to direct sunlight. This will help preserve the quality of the pages and cover.
- Q: Is this book safe for children? A: Yes, this book is generally safe for older children. However, it is recommended for readers who are at least in middle school due to its content complexity.
- Q: How should I store this book? A: Store this book upright on a shelf to maintain its shape. Ensure it is away from moisture to prevent damage.
- Q: What if the book arrives damaged? A: If the book arrives damaged, you can initiate a return or exchange process with the retailer. Ensure to keep the packaging for reference.
- Q: Is there a warranty for this book? A: No, books typically do not come with a warranty. However, most retailers have return policies for damaged items.
- Q: Is this book a good gift for someone interested in language? A: Yes, this book makes an excellent gift for anyone interested in language. Its engaging narrative appeals to both casual readers and language enthusiasts.
- Q: What type of language does the author use in the book? A: David Crystal uses clear, engaging language throughout the book. His writing style makes complex ideas easy to understand.
- Q: Does this book cover modern English usage? A: Yes, the book discusses modern English usage and its evolution. It traces the language from historical roots to contemporary forms.