Pragmatics in the History of English

This volume provides an overview of English historical pragmatics, exploring how words were used in Early Modern England, the typical ways of ordering others in Early Medieval England, and how the speech of others was represented in the nineteenth-century novel. It offers concise summaries of studies and is essential reading for students and academic researchers.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 12 October 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

In Early Modern England, the terms "you" and "thou" were employed to address individuals, showcasing a form of linguistic politeness and respect. These forms were particularly prevalent among the upper classes and were used to establish a sense of hierarchy and distinction. The use of "you" was reserved for those with higher social status, while "thou" was used for those with lower social standing, such as servants or peasants.

In Early Medieval England, the ordering of others was primarily governed by social hierarchy and the concept of feudalism. Kings, nobles, and bishops held significant power and authority, and their orders were followed by those in lower social positions, such as knights, serfs, and peasants. The language used to order others was often formal and hierarchical, with the use of titles and honorifics to demonstrate respect and deference.

In the nineteenth-century novel, the speech of others was represented in various ways. Authors often used dialects, accents, and colloquialisms to convey the regional and social backgrounds of their characters. Additionally, the novelists employed various rhetorical devices, such as irony, metaphor, and simile, to enhance the portrayal of characters' speech and to add depth and complexity to their personalities.

This volume, titled "English Historical Pragmatics," aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the field of English historical pragmatics. It begins with introductory chapters that set out the scope of the field and address methods and challenges. The core chapters then focus on a range of topics, including pragmatic markers, speech representation, politeness, speech acts, address terms, and register, genre, and style. Each chapter describes the object of study, defines essential terms and concepts, and discusses the methodologies used. Succinct and clear summaries of studies in the field are presented, and they are richly illustrated with corpus data.

Presenting a comprehensive and accessible yet state-of-the-art introduction to the field, this book is essential reading for both students and academic researchers. It offers a valuable resource for those interested in exploring the linguistic and social dynamics of Early Modern England, Early Medieval England, and the nineteenth-century novel. By examining the use of "you" and "thou" in these contexts, as well as the ways in which others were ordered and represented in these periods, this book provides insights into the complex and evolving nature of language and communication throughout history.

Weight: 406g
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781009322874