The Long Journey of English: A Geographical History of the Language

English is one of the most widely-spoken languages in the world, but it was not spoken in Britain three thousand years ago. Trudgill, an authority on the English language, traces its development and global spread over ten short chapters, exploring its expansion in the British Isles and its use in an increasingly digital world. Particular attention is paid to native-speaker varieties of English from all around the world and the relationship between colonial varieties and indigenous languages.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 190 pages
Publication date: 08 June 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

English, one of the world's most widely spoken languages, boasts native-speaking communities spanning across the globe. However, it is intriguing to note that just three thousand years ago, the language that would eventually evolve into English was not present in Britain. In this captivating journey through the history of English, renowned language expert Trudgill takes us on a remarkable exploration. Spanning over ten concise and easily digestible chapters, he traces the language's development and widespread global spread, beginning with its earliest origins five thousand years ago. He delves into its expansion within the British Isles, highlighting its evolution and influence. Finally, he provides an overview of how English looks today, considering its usage in the increasingly digital world. Special emphasis is placed on examining the diverse native-speaker varieties of English across the globe, as well as the intricate relationship between colonial varieties of English and indigenous languages. This comprehensive account offers a profound insight into the rich tapestry of English language history and its profound impact on the world.

Weight: 306g
Dimension: 152 x 229 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108949576