WiSe 19/20: PS-History of English II: Focus on Pronouns
Martin Konvicka
Kommentar
In this seminar, we will accompany English on its way from a local Germanic dialect some fifteen centuries ago towards its current role as a global lingua franca. We will survey the changes in phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics as well as the broader societal developments. In order to do this, we will analyse a wide variety of primary texts ranging from Old English poems to Present-Day English tweets. These case studies will be expanded by discussions of their theoretical implications. Furthermore, our investigation of the history of the English language will also include a comparative aspect. To properly understand the linguistic development of English, we will contrast it with the developments in other Germanic languages, mainly German and Dutch.
Besides providing an overview, this seminar also has a thematic focus. During several sessions, we will analyse the changes within the English pronominal system in greater detail. We will focus, amongst other things, on the influence of Old Norse and French on pronouns. Furthermore, we will examine the rise of singular you and singular they and we will explore the changing (im)politeness strategies. Last but not least, we will discuss how new pronouns develop in English-based creole languages.
The aim of this is course is threefold. First, to provide an overview of the history of the English language. Second, to familiarise the students with the principles of historical linguistics. Third, to demonstrate how the knowledge of the English linguistic history enables us to better understand how English functions today and how it might change in the future.
Students who, for whatever reason, cannot attend the first class are kindly asked to contact me in advance.
Requirements- Regular and active attendance
- Regular reading assignments
- Oral presentation
- Final term paper
16 Termine
Regelmäßige Termine der Lehrveranstaltung