17343

WiSe 21/22: PS-History of English II: English and its Germanic Relatives

Martin Konvicka

Comments

In this course, you will get familiar with earlier stages of English and with the various language change processes that have shaped English into its present-day form. A particular focus will lie on the structural (dis)similarities of English and its Germanic relatives such as Afrikaans, Danish, Dutch, Faroese, Frisian, German, Icelandic, Luxembourgish, Norwegian, Scots, Swedish or Yiddish.

We will learn that in some respects, English shows a considerable number of structural features typical of the Germanic branch, while in some respects English is an outlier. In order to identify these similarities and differences, we will survey a number of changes in phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics. We will read and analyse primary texts from various stages of English.

Against this background, the aim of this is course is threefold. First, to provide you with an overview of the internal as well as the external history of the English language. Second, to familiarise you with the basic concepts of historical linguistics. Third, to demonstrate how the knowledge of the linguistic history of a language can be beneficial for understanding its current structure.

In order to successfully pass the course and receive the credits, you will need to participate both regularly and actively as well as submit a term paper at the end of the semester.

At the point when I’m writing this abstract, it is still not completely clear what corona-related rules will apply during the winter semester 2021/2022. It may well be that we will once again be able to meet physically. However, it is also possible that the course will have to take place – to some degree – digitally. For that reason, please follow the official emails, webpages of the university (and/or institute) and register for the Blackboard page of this course when available.

We will discuss all the technical and organisational details During the first online session. If you, for whatever reason, cannot participate, please contact me. Moreover, feel free to contact me at any time if you have any questions related to the course before that time.